Save the Ocean at Nature Park in Port Blair packs a social message for the public
Good things often come at a price. In the year 2020, artist Suresh in Port Blair, was awarded an assignment by Secretary – Rural Development, Government of India, to create a sculpture based on the theme “Save the Ocean”. It mandated making of a sculpture that would be relatable and impactful while enhancing awareness on the harmful effects of plastic waste on the marine life.
After working out the preliminaries, the team took to the dumping yard (located at Brookshabad) to collect waste plastic bottles for the project. It was the time when Covid-19 pandemic was rampant in the islands. The bottles were dumped mostly from the hospitals. Unlike mainland where you could find rag-pickers collecting plastic waste, here on the contrary, the students had to do it on their own. Not soon enough, they all contracted Covid-19 and were placed under quarantine. This adversely affected their health and the pace of work, but not their spirit. They stood undaunted and their painstaking effort duly transformed waste into a sculpture of a blue whale that is both breathtaking and imposing at the same time.
Nature Park and Interpretation Centre in Haddo, Port Blair, captivates with its avant-garde sculptures and breathtaking landscapes, providing a visual feast for nature enthusiasts. Artist Suresh’s team, which was responsible for the project, says, the project stands as a shining example of meticulous effort, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. This endeavour ranks among their finest undertakings, offering a unique platform for creative expression infused with a meaningful social message for the public. Suresh’s involvement in this initiative propelled him to the forefront of environmental advocacy, earning him accolades from local government and administrative authorities.
Dream Project
Suresh dreams of a dedicated modern art museum cum gallery in the Andamans to encourage the local artists and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents. He also feels that he administration should establish an Arts college in Port Blair so that students can come forward and hone their skills without worrying about the expenditure of studies offshore.
