Master sculptor reveals creative secrets at Bhubaneswar art gathering

Bhubaneswar recently witnessed a highly engaging and thought-provoking discourse on sculptural evolution as Dr. Anjan Kumar Sahoo detailed his creative techniques at the renowned JD Centre of Art in the city. Hosting its monthly 292 Meet the Artist series, this prominent cultural hub brought together scholars, enthusiasts, and leading figures to explore modern sculptural practices.

Odisha boasts a magnificent heritage of classical stone carving dating back centuries, providing a fertile foundation for contemporary regional sculptors. Drawing deeply from this rich cultural background, Dr. Sahoo credits his father for sparking his initial passion. His father crafted traditional idols, instilling a deep respect for raw materials and careful craftsmanship in him from childhood.

Education And Finding Form

Transitioning from traditional roots to academic excellence, he pursued early training at B.K. College of Art and Crafts. Following this, he advanced his studies at Banaras Hindu University. While studying in Varanasi, mentorship under Prof. Balbir Singh Katt profoundly shifted his approach toward structural forms.

Instead of forcing materials into strict shapes, Dr. Sahoo champions organic development. He completely avoids predetermined ideas before touching clay or stone. His concepts slowly emerge during the actual carving or moulding phases. Sometimes, he physically steps away from incomplete pieces for long durations. Creating this intentional distance keeps his imagination fresh and allows the final shape to mature naturally.

Minimalism in Modern Sculpture

Embracing a core philosophy of keeping things simple, his artworks follow the rule of minimal effort yielding maximum expression. Restraint serves as a powerful tool in his hands, producing striking visual impact without unnecessary details.

Renowned artist Ramahari Jena introduced the session, praising Dr. Sahoo for his dual role as an academic researcher and creator. Jena pointed out the importance of his recent memoir, which carefully documents regional idol-making traditions. Following the lecture, Dr. Sajalendu Malakar honoured the speaker with traditional gifts. Leading intellectuals, such as Prof. Jagadanand and Prof. Jatindra Kumar Nayak, engaged in a lively discussion session afterwards. These insightful conversations gave the large audience a much deeper appreciation for how memory, physical material, and raw intuition uniquely shape modern Indian sculpture today.