In Conversation WITH
BANAMALI SHARMA
Art & Deal: The materials you use for your sculptures are terracotta,
not very common today among sculptors. What is the reason behind this?
Also it’s one of the ancient materials used for sculpture, especially used
during Indus valley civilization.
Banamali Sharma: Terra-cotta was my favourite medium in the 90s. I
was a student of BHU (Banaras Hindu University), and filled with youthful
energy. This medium was easily available to me. It suited my temperament.
That period can be called as one of the phases of my journey as a curious
soul. This preoccupation did not last long. This does not mean that I have
delinked myself from terra-cotta as a medium. At present I remain engaged
with all types of materials and processes. When a suitable moment comes
up where terra-cotta can add more variety of language, I find it as a strong
medium where it can convey my explorative efforts.
Art & Deal: Does interpolation of material act as metaphors in your
sculptures? Use of materials like brass, rope and bamboo in Maya series.
Banamali Sharma: The concept of Maya, which has now become a
series of projects, has been with me intricately woven into my working
hours. I was working with traditional materials, and found them not so
suitable for the new visions. A slow distancing from them started in the
early part of 2005. The visual elements that are to act as metaphors in
my works needed to be varied because one medium would not be able to
Banamali Sharma do justice for the vast concept of Maya