The overall art scene in Assam has always been dominated by paintings, but today, the art of sculpture-making has also become a potent force – at par with paintings, due to the rich foundation laid by past masters on one hand and the brilliant efforts of the talented present generation on the other. The initial decades of the spread of modernism in Assam were almost entirely painting-centric. The area of sculpture-making developed much later. In the pre-Independence era, late Indreswar Borthakur was perhaps the first sculptor in Assam who devoted himself wholeheartedly to this medium and tried to explore its potential to be a powerful mode of expression. He inspired many young sculptors, and the one who emerged as the most talented and dedicated was his favourite disciple Jugal Das. Late Das, who was also a painter, later developed a style of his own and improvised on the lessons on sculpture-making he had learnt from his guru.

In the later years, sculpture-making assumed a distinctive and modern character in the hands of Padum Gohain and Sobha Brahma, followed by a string of artists who, since the Sixties and Seventies, gave the medium enough force and momentum. This group of highly gifted sculptors included Atul Baruah, Sonaram Nath, Late Pranabendu Bikash Dhar, Janak Jhankar Narzary, Saleha Ahmed, Biren Singha, among others. Hela Das, Jnanen Borkakati, Krishna Goswami, and others have also contributed handsomely over the years to carry the legacy of sculpture-making in Assam forward.

Today, it does seem as if the areas of sculptures, graphics and installations have acquired an aura as luminous as that of paintings in Assam. Over a long period of time, Janak Jhankar Narzary and Baroda-based Ganesh Gohain of the new generation have showcased before the world audience the immense talent that Assam possesses in the area of sculpture. Another sculptor based in Baroda, Bhupen Barman, has done us proud by winning the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi award. Ratul Gogoi is another serious and skilled sculptor who has brought glory to Assam by winning the Lalit Kala award. Tridip Dutta and Siva Prasad Marar from Biswanath Chariali have also tried to explore the possibilities inherent in this medium with a lot of conviction. Some senior artists of Assam – who are better known as painters – have also created several memorable sculptures in different stages of their careers. The entire galaxy of artists have not only taken the art of sculpture-making in Assam forward but also given it a new dimension.

Among the upcoming generation of sculptors also , we get to see a lot of promise, which is greatly reassuring.

The most positive aspect of the entire scene involving sculpture-making in Assam is that there is a discernible attempt – on the part of both the senior sculptors as well as the younger generation – to integrate elements of the folk and Satriya tradition in their creations. Assam had a rich tradition of sculpture-making, specially in the area of mask-making and wood-carving, although they were by and large limited to creating idols of deities and animal forms. There was an inherent modern character in the folk sculptures of the part – but it was not explored the way it should have been. However, a number of sculptors of Assam have synthesised folk/ Satriya elements in their works, which is certainly a pleasing endeavour. Along with wood, clay, bronze, stone, plaster, iron, fibre glass, et al, today’s sculptures in Assam have also tried to experiment with unconventional tools and media as well as bamboo and cane.

Debashish Bezbaruah