Memoirs of a master sculptor

It may be a hundred years after his birth and two decades since his death, but his sculpted masterpieces live on forever. For those not familiar with the name Prodosh Dasgupta, the sculptor, artist and poet — a trip to the Lalit Kala Akademi this week may offer a glimpse into his life better than any internet search could. Forty-four of his life’s works stand proudly on pedestals, remembering a brilliant sculptor, respected tremendously in his time. Having spent much of his life in Kolkata, however, one had to wonder why this exhibition, commemorating his memory was held in Chennai. Said Reena Lath, curator of the exhibition, “It’s because he studied under D P Roy Choudhary in Chennai.” She added, “Also some of his best students were from here (Chennai).”

Gracing the occasion were also Gopal Krishna Gandhi, chairman of the Kalakshetra Foundation and former West Bengal Governor as well as art collector, Sara Abraham. Said Gandhi, “For me, this is a nostalgic time — not only because I knew him, but because one cannot help but recognise the extraordinary contribution he has made to sculpture and the arts.” He continued, drawing comparisons between sculpture and other art forms such as music, dance and painting, and their respective places in society. While in retropect, it is difficult to point out why these art forms seem to hold more importance, he did bring up an interesting point. “Traditionally, we immerse our finest sculptures – we don’t do that with paintings.”

For the benefit of young artist, the pieces on display were set era-by-era, dating between the late 1940s and the 1980s. So in one corner of the gallery sat Women pounding corn (1949) and ten steps later, a rather abstract yet intriguing, Egg bride (1973). Perhaps the most riveting sculpted design was a piece titled In Bondage (1952). A man on his knees, hands tied behind his back — genitals exposed and head drawn back in anguish. It was plain raw emotion in solid bronze. It is easy to imagine that the allure of Prodosh Dasgupta will continue to stay with us, even a century from now.

The exhibition will be open at the Lalit Kala Akademi till October 5. For details, 28291692