If you have been to Victoria Memorial In Kolkata recently, chances are that you found a massive jackfruit, that looks too real to ignore, in front of the iconic monument. Artist Paresh Maity created this massive jackfruit sculpture that weighs around 7,000 kg as part of his exhibit at the ongoing Bengal Biennale, and here’s all about it.
Giant Jackfruit Sculpture Installed In Front Of The Iconic Victoria Memorial
Creativity has no bounds, and the inaugural edition of the Bengal Biennale in Kolkata just proved that! Padma Shri Paresh Maity is a renowned artist, and his latest exhibit at this art event has become the talk of the town. He has created and installed a massive bronze jackfruit sculpture titled ‘Urbanscape’.
While talking to The Nod, Maity explained why he had chosen this fruit to make this massive exhibit. He says that ever since he was a kid, he has been fascinated by the large size of a jackfruit and its spiky surface. In his own words, he felt that the fruit brings back “memories of home and hearth.” He further explained that the title ‘Urbanscape’ comes from the cluster of seeds inside the jackfruit that reminded him of “squeezed-in communities, reminiscent of housing colonies” in urban cities.
More About The Inaugural Edition Of Bengal Biennale
Besides Paresh Maity’s massive jackfruit installation and the works of other veteran artists, Bengal Biennale also provided a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talent. The first phase of this cultural event was launched in Shantiniketan on November 29 and will go on till December 22. The Kolkata phase started on December 6 and will be open for art lovers till January 5.
Hundreds of artists from West Bengal and across the country are participating in this cultural event to showcase their work and promote art. Reportedly, you can find works by veteran Italian printmaker Francesca Genna, photographer and archivist Dayanita Singh, and even the Arabian Nights series by Abanindranath Tagore and performances by the Istanbul-based multidisciplinary dancer Korhan Başaran at the Bengal Biennale.
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The mind of an artist is truly amazing! Who would think a jackfruit could represent life in a city? Share your thoughts about this in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/bengal_biennale