Keonjhar: Nishikant Behera, a youth of Tikarapada village in Mahadeijoda panchayat under Keonjhar block, is a promising terracotta artist but lately he has been inclined towards sand art.
“After learning the art of terracotta from my father, I aim to achieve big in sand art and go abroad,” said Behera with élan.
Nishikant has already been known in the circle of sand art in the state. He was given a chance to show his artistic talent at Konark Sand Festival. Visitors were enthralled to witness his artistic skills.
However, Nishikant lamented that he is deprived of scope to hone his skills through routine practice because mineral-rich districts like Keonjhar do not have enough sand for it.
He said if young artists were supported and encouraged with facilities, the district would churn out scores of artists in various genres of art.
He revealed his intention that he would love to display his sand art skills outside the state and even abroad.
The five-day Konark Sand Art Festival was organised from December 1 on Chandrabhaga beach in Konark. Around 123 renowned sand artists from across the state and abroad had participated in it. There were 42 stalls. Nishikant was allied with a group comprising Sourabh Nayak, Ajay Ghose and Gatikrushna Nayak. The group’s sand art was mainly focused on five themes.
Significantly, the theme of Nishikant’s sand art was highly praiseworthy. He pointed out that India has made a huge mark in sand art with hundreds of artists from countries across the world participating in the Sand Art Festival being held at Konark.
“The International Sand Art Festival and the Konark Dance Festival are huge platforms to showcase one’s talent,” he highlighted.
Nishikant is pursuing painting course at a college in Balasore. His father Goura Charan Behera is a terracotta artist and had earned a name for him.
Nishikant said that he is inspired by international sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik and has been carrying out his effort to make a splash in the art.
He suggested that the government should set up institutions to promote art in Keonjhar district where there is huge reserve of talents.