BHUBANESWAR: The name Pratul Dash is synonymous with art. Born in Sambalpur, Odisha, he works in a medium which sets him apart the world of art. He uses sound and video for his art forms. A bachelor of fine arts from BK college of Art and Crafts and MFA in Painting from College of Art, New Delhi, he has numerous scholarships and laurels to his name. His fascination for realism, which was ingrained in him by his father and teachers, has evolved his work into a new stream. In a brief interaction with Orissa Post, he discussed his groundbreaking work, future plans and current participation in BAT (Bhubaneswar Art Trail).
What’s your take on Video art?
Basically, video art is an extension of the conventional form of art. An observer can connect with it on a personal level. As this medium is usually ambiguous, an observer can interpret the work based on their own experiences. Everyone experiences it differently. My video art ‘A city near the Commonwealth Village’ is a digital print of 3500 photographs and a painting which articulates environmental concerns. “When the construction of Commonwealth village was on, I used to visit it almost five times a week and just click pictures of at least three sq kms of the surrounding. At the end, all the pictures did not make any sense individually. Therefore, I decided to stitch all of them together along with my painting to form a digital art.
Tell us about your work which is to be displayed in BAT.
My work will be a sculpture, which would be 16 feet high and 8 feet wide. I would be using Kuduas or earthen pots used for Mahaprasad in my work “Bird Nest”. Later I would request the officials of Ekamravan to place my sculpture in their garden. Birds can live inside it comfortably. The most interesting part of my work will be the jumbled up sounds incorporated into it. Sounds of people taking a bath, frying of Pakoras, people discussing in a market and chirping of birds among others would be manifested in my work. This is my own way of giving back to Mother Nature.
Would BAT make a difference in Bhubaneswar?
Bhubaneswar would be more revered in the art fraternity after this event. The artworks which would be showcased in BAT reflect every artist’s visions, concerns and propositions for this city. All I can say is that people of Bhubaneswar as well as various art institutions need to evaluate their understanding of such an event. Events like BAT have the ability to put a certain place in the world map of art. The city needs to have a cultural and artistic interaction in order to grow as an artistic land. People should move beyond awards and recognitions to build up a basic educational foundation for every budding artist.
What would be your words of advice for budding artists?
The eclectic and inclusive nature of art poses a number of challenges in today’s world. One must learn to stretch himself beyond the boundary of time. Art should never be constrained on the basis of race, religion, colour and thinking pattern. It is like a flying eagle, which is destined to conquer new heights. Intrepid learning of art makes one a true artist.
Chaitali Shome,OP
