It seems that the rhinoceros is under threat not only in Africa, but right here in Gujarat ! This sculpture, the first of its kind in India, by Gujarati artist Narottam Luhar, has been removed from its dominant position in the centre of a major traffic circle and dumped at the side of the road, where its future is uncertain - a notice announces that the site is under reconstruction ! With a backdrop of billboards and bikes, the rhino looks forlorn, to say the least.
It's constructed out of scrap metal and weighs around 3 tons. Commissioned by the Founder of an Iron and Engineering Company in the 1970s, it took its place in a significant spot in the town, adding to the variety of sculptures, providing a focal point for road users. The different shapes of metal plate have been soldered together to create the essential form of the rhinoceros, beautifully expressing its bulk, weight and stocky power. Together with the 'Banyan Tree' circle on the outskirts of Fatehgunj and the 'Bird Circle' near Alkapuri, these imaginative and secular roundabouts, create a delightful contrast. The newer roundabouts in town, are more formal and religious in character.
Interestingly, roundabouts help to define a city. Support for local artists, here in Vadodara, is very worthwhile and the rhinoceros definitely deserves to go back to its original habitat, at the crossroads !
It's constructed out of scrap metal and weighs around 3 tons. Commissioned by the Founder of an Iron and Engineering Company in the 1970s, it took its place in a significant spot in the town, adding to the variety of sculptures, providing a focal point for road users. The different shapes of metal plate have been soldered together to create the essential form of the rhinoceros, beautifully expressing its bulk, weight and stocky power. Together with the 'Banyan Tree' circle on the outskirts of Fatehgunj and the 'Bird Circle' near Alkapuri, these imaginative and secular roundabouts, create a delightful contrast. The newer roundabouts in town, are more formal and religious in character.
Interestingly, roundabouts help to define a city. Support for local artists, here in Vadodara, is very worthwhile and the rhinoceros definitely deserves to go back to its original habitat, at the crossroads !
No comments:
Post a Comment