His magic touch can literally put life in any sculpture. For his artistic touch, Pranabendu Bikash Dhar received acclaim in several parts of the country, as well as abroad. Born in Dergaon, Mr Dhar did his postgraduation in Advanced Sculpture from St Martin’s School of Art, London, while he did his graduation, with specialization in Sculpture from Visva Bharati University, Santineketan.
For his outstanding work on folk traditional style in terracotta and scrap metal, Mr Dhar was bestowed with the President’s Fellowships from the Government of India in 1980 and 1984 respectively.
A bust of Lachit Borphukan installed in the National Defence Academy, Pune, statue of Motok king, Sarbananda Singha at Tinkonia Pukhuri, Tinsukia, are some of his famous works. He was honoured by the Governor of Assam for sculpting the bust of Lachit Borphukan. Pranabendu has widely travelled in Europe and America in connection with his work.
The Sentinel spoke to him last week. Following are the excerpts of the interview.
Q: What inspired you to become a sculptor? Is it a gift of God or your hard work?
A: I wanted to become a painter. When I went to Shantinekatan, I was thinking of becoming a painter. But when I saw the three dimensions of sculpture and its effect, I changed my mind and decided to go for three dimension. Besides, I wanted to see the beauty from three dimension -- front, back and side.
Q: What is to be acquired or possessed to become a good sculptor?
A: An honest Guru and honesty in work. When I start any work, I always remember my Guru. It is because of the inspirations and shadow of the Guru, that I stand here now. Besides, creative sculptors should be very very professional.
Q: Do you consider yourself to be a good sculptor?
A: Time will testify that. On my part, whatever I do, I always do for the future. Last time, I held an exhibition in Guwahati with my creation where my subject was "Sunflower". Now I am working on an unique subject -- "frog". And if I was satisfied with my past work or what has been done so far, why should I go for new things?
Q: Do you want to carry forward any message through your creations?
A: In every field in which the people are working, be it doctors, engineers, advocates, journalists, teachers... they always convey some messages through their works. If they are honest in their respective field of work, that is the message they are carrying.
Q: Do the people of Assam or India give due value to the sculptors?
A: When I came back from England, Ajanta (my wife) was my inspiration. And she still is. I always receive love from society. I don’t have any complaints from anybody. The media loves me. People of the State love me. Society loves me. I try to receive everything in positive, not in negative.
Q: Can an individual in India earn his livelihood by taking sculpture as a profession?
A: A sculptor must do some commercial work. By saving some amount from that commercial work he /she should devote himself / herself for some creative work. Otherwise,a sculptor can’t survive in today’s world. If someone says that he doesn’t have money for creative work, that is stupidity. I spend about 60 per cent of the money I earn from commercial work for creativity. The rest is for livelihood.
Q: What is the scene of sculpture and sculptors outside India?
A: The situation outside India is very encouraging. Countries of Europe, America etc., appreciate sculpture very highly. They give good value to the works of good sculptors. Till today, our work in India is insecure. Our insurance is our children, not our Government.
Q: Do you have any plans for new creations?
A: Yes. The theme of my new creation is "Search for my elder brother and elder sister and my younger brother and younger sister." I am working on this subject very carefully. It will take at least one year to complete the work. It is a very sentimental issue. And I believe I will be able to search for my elder brother and elder sister and my younger brother and younger sister through my work.
