Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 656 Sun. April 02, 2006  
   
Culture


12th Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh
Tejosh Halder Josh: Talented young sculptor gets recognition


Tejosh Halder Josh, a graduate student of the Department of Sculpture, Institute of Fine Arts, is the youngest winner of an award in the 12th Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh. The young talent has won the Honourable Mention Award for his sculpture titled Serious Discussion. Asked for his reaction, Josh said, "It is like a dream and I have made it a reality. I'm really happy. New offers are pouring in after I won the prestigious award in an internationally reputed competition and exhibition. On April 8, 2006, I am going to Nepal to participate in a residential art camp. Teertha, a Nepalese organisation, has invited me. The award will further my motivation."

Josh's Serious Discussion delivers a strong message. The figures of the five children, in the sculpture, satires the numerous meetings, seminars and summits held all around the world. Josh said, "For many years, representatives of countries have come together to find ways of building a better social order. However, these gatherings have not borne any fruit. I got the idea during the last SAARC Summit. I took five street children from Shahbagh area as models."

Fibre glass has been used as the medium of the sculpture, which is not widely used in Bangladesh. To create a memorable ambience, Josh has used black colour.

Where did he get the idea of using this material? Josh said, "Earlier I saw a few artists using it. As fibre glass is cheaper, lighter and more durable, I have used the medium."

Playing with mud as a child, Josh's creativity goes back to his childhood. It also fuelled his ambition to become a sculptor. He said, "Sculpture is an expensive and laborious art form. Take for example my award winning work -- I had to spend Taka 65,000, of which I collected only a small percentage. My teacher donated Taka 15,000 and I received a small contribution from my friends."

So far, with seven sculptures, Josh has won three awards. Last year he won a gold medal from Institute of Fine Arts. Children continue to be the focal point for his sculptures.

Picture
The prize-winning sculpture by Josh