BHUBANESWAR: India’s first ever International Public Art Symposium (IPAS) is going great guns at Kalinga Nagar here. Orissa Post interacted with various sculptures and art lovers and here is what they had to say.
Nils Hansen, a sculptor and digital artist from Germany, is making the sculpture of a royal Bengal tiger. According to him, such a sculpture would create awareness among people. This would save the majestic breed from extinction.
Heidi Mcgeoch, a sculpture from Australia, is making a sculpture depicting Dhana Kenda. She states that her work is to honour numerous farmers who fill the plates of each individual on earth. She also dedicated her work to the women of India and Goddess of luck Maa Laxmi.
She is also making a sculpture based on Ashoka Chakra. She states that it is her way of showing gratitude towards the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Subash Rath, a visitor to the event, said, “This is the first time when the city of Bhubaneswar is going to witness works of so many international artists. The sculpture park has become a benchmark of excellence for art lovers of the city.”
Kanta Kishore Maharana, a sculptor from Odisha, has surprised everyone by his unique initiative. He has assembled many cement carrying trays and remodelled those in shape of Olive Ridley turtles. On a brief interaction with Orissa Post he said, “My sculpture is based on Olive Ridley turtle, which is also mascot of the Hockey World Cup. It also happens to be one of the most prominent marine animals of the state. It needs to be saved from poachers.”
Chuguli Sahoo, another sculpture from Odisha, is making a 30-feet sculpture of a peacock from scraps. He said, “The sculptor is my way of showing fascination for our national bird. None can match its grace and style.”
Parinati Achraya, a student of CET engineering college, said, “It’s great for Kalinga Nagar to have its first sculpture park. I am certain that people visiting the park would realise the importance of saving wild animals and preventing their extinction.