Sculptures of various reformers to be unveiled

The premises around Dr B R Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre in the University of Mysore premises in the city on Wednesday, was filled with the sound of chisels striking soapstone, as a workshop for sculptors organised by Karnataka Shilpakala Academy drew to a close. 

A total of 20 artists from various parts of the State, were seen perfecting the sculptures, which will be put on display from Thursday. Most of the sculptures are based on ‘social reform’, especially the plight of Dalit community.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shivaprasad S, member of the Academy, said that the project was envisaged in coordination with the Research Centre.

“The art works are part of a workshop for sculptors, which began on October 21. We have been working for 10 days on the sculptures, which depict various reformers who worked to rid our society of several ills,” he said.

Sculptures of B R Ambedkar, Gautham Buddha, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Periyar, Jyothiba and Savithri Phule will adorn the Centre.

Among the sculptors was Chandrashekar Naik, from Uttara Kannada district, who has sculpted the bust of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. He said, the works by Nalwadi Wadiyar, for the upliftment of backward communities, inspired his sculpture.

“When education was denied to Dalits, Nalwadi set a precedent by giving importance to their education. This transformed several backward communities in the erstwhile Mysore kingdom,” he said.

Ramakrishna from Ramanagar district was working on a replica of Bodhi Vruksha, under which, according to tradition, Buddha famously attained ‘enlightenment’. 

Artists

Of the sculptors, 10 are seniors, who are assisted by 10 junior artists, in completing the structures. Of the 20, seven (two senior and five junior artists) are from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts in the city.

25 tonnes

Shivaprasad said, 25 tonnes of soapstone was being used for the sculptures, which will be placed around the Centre. The stone, he said, was brought from H D Kote and is similar to the one used for carving at Belur-Halebeedu temples.

Apart from the 12 structures, another structure will also come up. However, its’ display will be delayed, as it is still a work under progress, he said.

The sculpture will replicate Bahamani Buddha, which were destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, in the front portion, while the back position of the sculpture will depict famous social reformers of the State, he said.