During the Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata, a unique statue is drawing special attention. At first glance, it is impossible to tell what material this sculpture is made of, as it is assembled from about 13 thousand recycled plastic pens and cartridges. Ordinary writing instruments have received an unusual artistic embodiment, and this work of art simultaneously conveys a message about tradition and ecology.
This divine figure of Mother Durga is installed at the Tridhara Sammilrani Durga Puja complex in Kolkata. The sculpture was created by artist Chandranath Saha. The model measures 5.5 feet in height, 4.5 feet in width, and 3 feet in depth. The most outstanding feature of this work is that it is formed by joining thousands of pens.
For the artist Chandranath Saha, creating such a tall figure from plastic pens was not an easy task. He faced the challenge of how to highlight the recognizability and majesty of Mother Durga from such an ordinary object as a pen. According to Saha, when thousands of pens are joined together, their individuality disappears, and a large figure begins to form from them.
Interestingly, this work is located separately from the main traditional statue at Tridhara Sammilrani. The main statue will be immersed in water according to customs, but the pen sculpture will not undergo such a ritual. After the Durga Puja concludes, it will be dismantled, and the used plastic will be sent for recycling.
This plastic will be used to create new necessary items. This initiative demonstrates that something new and special can be created from things often considered useless and thrown away. Hidden within this artwork from Kolkata is a message about environmental responsibility alongside faith and art.