Connect with us

Achievements

‘Technology is helping create kinetic sculptures’

Dr Mohinder Kumar Mastana, Head of Department of Sculpture at ACFA, is creating magic in the field of sculpting

Published

on

A practicing artist with more than 28 years of experience, Dr Mohinder Kumar Mastana is an Assistant Professor with Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), who leaves no stone when it comes to designing sculpture and statues. “In all these years, l have experimented with different mediums and styles. Quintessentially, my works are calm and placid, however, they are capable of expressing powerful emotions,” expressed the artist.

He is the Head of Department of Sculpture at ACFA. Dr Mastana completed  BFA in Sculpture from Government College of Art, Chandigarh in 1998. He has also completed MFA in Sculpture from Kala Bhawan, Visva Bharati at Santiniketan and PhD from Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab.

The artist so far has won many awards and recognitions in the field of sculpting. Some of them include: Star Artist Award in an International Art Exhibition, ‘Dream’ organised by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation in Bidhar; Michelangelo Award in Mindscape Chapter-I International Virtual Art Exhibition;  Bronze Award in an International online Art Exhibition, organised by Lalit Kala Kendra, Assam; First Prize in Kala Maharishi Baburao Painter International Virtual Art Show; Punjab State award in Annual Art exhibition in 2014 and 2015, at Indian Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar. Recently, Dr Mastana has also won an award at ‘Grab the calendar space’ for his outstanding sculpture work. Read the edited excerpts to know more:

What’s unique?

Explaining about the uniqueness of his designs, he highlighted, “There is a simplification of form in my artwork, coupled with primitive strength, my works represent all levels of consciousness from bird to human and enlightened one. All my work reflects expression over form.” Dr Mastana also added that there are so many materials used for sculpting, but according to him, wood, stone, clay, terracotta (clay-baked objects) are sustainable and aesthetically pleasing for sculpting.

Also Read: Professor from Jalandhar carving his name in the field of sculpting  

Inspiration

When asked about his inspiration for creating these marvellous pieces, he said, “Nature is my inspiration. Most often, the figures in my sculpture work are depicted as absorbed in contemplation or deep meditation.”

Integrating tech in sculpting

Dr Mastana further shared how technology is playing a role in this field. “In the present scenario, integrating or infusing technology is helping create kinetic sculptures. It is also allowing the spectator to grow with its conventional methods of sculpting, which isn’t outdated. All of it is purely based on the aesthetic approach of craft skills,” he mentioned.

Tips for budding sculptors

I think sculptors have a huge demand or have career prospects in India. One just needs to learn how to live on the edge of  technology and nature. 

Harshita is Assistant Editor at Apeejay Newsroom. With experience in both the Media and Public Relations (PR) world, she has worked with Careers360, India Today and Value360 Communications. A learner by nature, she is a foodie, traveller and believes in having a healthy work-life balance.

The Musical Interview with Anamika Jha

Trending