We have all likely received and /or forwarded images of sand art that sends out heartwarming messages and highlights serious social issues. The person behind the beautiful, thought-provoking and often highly intricate creations of sand is Sudarsan Pattnaik of Puri, Orissa. He recently took his art – his recreation of the Konark Sun Temple – to Japan as well.
He received the Padma Shri in 2014 for his stunning, topical art. He has participated in won numerous international art events; having participated in 60 international championships and won 27 championship prizes.
Pattnaik is an activist as well; insofar as he uses his art to create awareness and bring about positive social change. His sand art helps bring attention to the importance of water conservation and reminds people to do their bit.
Pattnaik shared this image on the occasion of holi to remind people to have a safe and environment friendly holi. “Students of our sand art institute created a sand sculpture on at Puri beach,” said the caption.
His art helps take India to the world – to counties countries like Belgium, USA, Holland, London, USA and others – quite literally.
AIDS is something that affects people all over the world. By creating such unique sand art, Pattnaik draws attention to the need to practice safe sex and other ways to avoid infection.
Today, India is literally drowning in its own garbage and waste management; particularly plastic waste management presents a huge challenge. This sand artwork draws attention to the need for each one of us to help in tackling the problem – reduce, reuse, recycle.
As others take to Twitter, Pattnaik takes to the beach and to the sand to wish Indian sportspersons the best of luck and to congratulate them for the laurels they win.
He often creates sand art to commemorate past calamities. He also appeals to and motivates people to contribute for flood relief or to help people suffering other natural calamities.
Pattnaik has created beautiful sand art to commemorate various events, to wish people Happy Republic Day or Happy Independence day. The images of his art regularly go viral and we have people happily forwarding what he so painstakingly and laboriously creates.
Pattnaik makes it a point to condemn terror attacks and to appeal for calm and peace.
Most recently, Pattnaik took the stunning Konark Temple to the world at the International Sand Art Exhibition in a sand museum in Japan; where 21 artists from around the world participated.
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