Uncrowned king in his realm of art

Published in The Daily Star
Section: Star City
Mon. March 29, 2004
Syed Tashfin Chowdhury
Beauty is said to be in the eyes of the beholder and it can take any shape when imagined by an artist.

One will agree with the saying while admiring the artworks of Shankar Dhar, the creator of over 1,000 busts, thrones, statues and architectural models in wood, clay, cement and metals like lead, bronze, gold and silver.

Shankar has been in the world of art since childhood and attended school up to class X. He created numerous thought-provoking works, which brought him wide recognition.

Two masterpieces -- Astadhatu Bigroho (creation of eight metals) and the silver throne of the Dhakeswari Temple -- were his works. He is also internationally renowned for his prowess in creating busts in lead, silver and gold. His religious statues of Hinduism are found in temples in some European countries.

Architectural replicas like the Bangabandhu Bridge and the upcoming agricultural institute in Gazipur are among his works.

Shankar also crafts thrones for the statues, opening a new world which he feels will be a welcoming prospect for Bangladesh.

"There is a huge market for such thrones in Canada and Australia where the number of immigrants from Asia is increasing," Shankar said.

"Such immigrants who still want to hold on to their cultural roots have bought thrones from me over the years."

Nepal and India have been pioneers in exporting such ‘religious thrones' all over the world. But Shankar's admirable design and creativity, which accompanies each throne, makes it excel over the Indian and the Nepalese ones.

"The response I have received from such buyers have led me to understand that these religious thrones can be profitable and will channel in more foreign currency," said Shankar, who is now seeking financial help from local or foreign investors to initiate the highly promising small industry.

An exhibition of about 50 or more thrones will take place in the National Museum in a few months for investors and buyers alike.

He wishes to craft around 70 or more busts commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh.

"I hope the young generations will get to learn the history of our nation with the creation of such a gallery."

Shatabhisha Crafts, Shankar's shop in Old Dhaka, possesses some wonders of his artistry and is known as the refuge of many drifters who landed jobs with it.

"If authorities encourage the efforts of a few like me, we will be able to create more jobs for the poor."