Bhubaneswar, Jan. 31: Kesab Bandyopadhyay works magic with wood. The retired assistant commissioner of customs is known for his artwork using teakwood remains and the installations were on display at the regional centre of Lalit Kala Akademi here.
Bandyopadhyay's love affair with wood began while he was renovating his house. "While I was renovating my house, I saw these old blocks of teakwood lying around. Immediately, my mind created figurative forms and down the line we became buddies," said the artist from Bengal.
The exhibition features around 29 art installations ranging from animals such as owl, sheep, dog, horse head and birds to musical instruments.
Among his themed installations is a head series, which features faces representing a smoker, politician and thinker. Another installation of a hunter is eye-catching.
"I visit wooden furniture shops to collect their leftover blocks and frames and join them to create something worthwhile," said the artist.
One of his installations, Surlahari, is a combined piece of three varieties of musical instruments - string, percussion and wind. Another installation of Lord Jagannath and his siblings is equally attractive.
Without any formal training in sculpting, his artworks project originality without any outside influence. "Initially, while making the sculptures I never had any pre-conceived notion. My imaginations took their own course but gradually I began to visualise things most of which took geometric forms," he added.
While the polishing and designing is done at home, he sometimes takes the help of carpenters to chisel the frames.
He has also set up an art centre in Mumbai, his present place of residence, where he imparts training to around 50 youngsters.
"The centre has been named after my art teacher, Bankim Banerjee, and students of the centre have won over 500 international and national awards," he said.
An artist, performer and singer, Bandyopadhyay wears many hats with élan. He takes interest in theatre and also has formal training in Rabindra sangeet. A number of his artworks have been exhibited at shows across the country.
"After my retirement, the world of art constantly intrigues me and keeps me busy," said the artist. The exhibition concluded on January 29.
