Abhishek: The Journey From Nalanda to Delhi

The Struggles Behind Success

In this conversation, we interview sculptor Abhishek (Abhishek Soundra) on his life story and career journey in the pursuit of art — the trials and tribulations that has shaped it. Not only as a sculptor but an artist hailing from the ancient land of Nalanda. Yet when we peel away the surface and feather through his musically exclaimed dedication, there is an undercurrent of struggle one might not immediately notice.

The Lesser-Known Challenge : Sculpture vs. Painting

Abhishek brings up the often-overlooked reality of what it physically takes for a sculptor to make these pieces so early into the interview. Whereas painting can be conducted from the home and is a relatively lesser equipped affair, sculpting requires a proper studio, lots of energy to work physically. ‘You can paint at home, but for sculpture, you need a proper studio — it takes quite a bit more energy,’ as he puts it.

And in that statement lies an undercurrent of one of the most exasperating aspects common to many sculptors — after all, their medium requires so much more labor and mental energy compared to other visual arts. Is this an unacknowledged challenge in the arena of the Indian art?

Awareness or Self-Expression Art?

Abhishek is quick to highlight what he feels is the biggest problem with contemporary art. Art to him should not be artistic expression but it ought to bring suffering, it must lend a hand for societal progression. Quoting him, “If you are not being it and showing it then nothing in between matters.”

This statement begs a very important question: Is art that is blind to the social or cultural landscapes it exists in truly of any merit? Abhishek’s point of view may sound controversial in an era where artistic expression is trumpeted for its banality — as if art qua art alone is not enough.

Tradition — A Burden Or An Inspiration?

Although Abhishek gets his artistic influences from the ancient Indian sculptures, it is an alien territory for him. History and tradition is a heavy weight to bear, both an inspiration and a confinement. He looks back to how what he saw of old sculptures around Nalanda during his childhood lured him into this field, but talks about tradition v/s experimentation being a constant a tug-of-war for most contemporary artists.

Is Modern Art Diverting From The Real Purpose??

Abhishek hits some bold notes as he continues, “Today, if you make a painting or any work of modern art and you do not serve anything bigger, what is it? He questions the tendency to produce art for its avant-garde impulse only,

He says, “the main purpose is awareness — every artist who doesn’t add a hit to global consciousness just ain’t.

Which opens up the conversation — has modern art gone too far from its origin? While that question remains up in the air, there’s a larger question at play: is protest losing its effectiveness in terms of provoking change?