Bhubaneswar: Gadadhar Ojha, a sculptor from Odisha who has been residing in Paris since 2000, recently received the award for Best Sculpture for his work Flame at the 12ème Symposium international de sculpture sur bois Montagn’Art in Switzerland. Ojha is the only Indian sculptor to participate in the competition three times. Proficient in French, Spanish and Italian, he belongs to a sculptor family from Konark.
In an exclusive interview to Orissa POST, Ojha described his work, divulged his future plans and wished to leave his mark as an Odia artist on the global stage.
Excerpts:
How does it feel to participate in this competition and represent India?
I am very pleased and honoured to represent India at the Montagn’Art. I was invited to this competition in 2011 and 2012 as well. This year Montagn’Art has invited 13 sculptors from eight countries. It is very exciting to work with other sculptors as they have their own techniques and in the process you learn.
What kind of sculpture did you make?
The theme of this year is ‘Energy’. I was working on a wooden sculpture, and the title of my work is Flame. My work elucidates the fire energy that works as lifeline for the rural households.
Being an Odia artist, how does it feel to showcase your art at the international level?
Since I was 14, it has been my dream that I could travel and showcase my work to the entire world. I have represented India in 22 countries and at 55 international events. I feel happy and honoured to represent my country.
If you have to single out any particular creation of yours then what would call your best?
Each of my creations is unique in its own way. It’s sheer art as I create something different each time to outmatch my previous works.
From where do you derive your energy, who is your source of inspiration?
Since childhood, I have been inspired by my uncle Harihar Maharana. I was also inspired by the works of master sculptors like Brancusi, Giacometti and Rodin.
Do you wish to train young sculptors in Odisha?
Yes. Of course! If any such opportunity or proposition crops up, I would surely consider it. I do have a dream to open a sculpture school in the state for people who can’t afford to learn the art. The training would be imparted to them for free.
Enough of your professional career, tell us something about yourself.
I was born at Gorh Bangor village of Badagaon in Puri. Till my seventh grade I was in my village but moved to Bhubaneswar for my high school and college education. In the session of 1991-92, I was a visiting student at Delhi College of Arts for a year. When I was 18, I moved to Paris and have been working here as a freelance sculptor since then. I am a member of Maison des Artistes of France and AIESM, an international sculptors association which organises international sculpture symposium.
What are the accolades that have enhanced your status as an artist?
Everyone has encouraged me to be an artist and they continue to do so. I have won the coveted Lalit Kala academy award. I have also received the gold medal at Moscow’s International stone and Ice sculpture competition. Besides, I have won the Youth Inspiration award in Odisha, All India Fine artist award at Kolkata and Amritsar.
