“IF I SERVE YOU CONCRETE IN PLACE OF REAL FOOD, WILL YOU BE ABLE TO EAT IT?”

SAYANTAN SAMANTA, 28

“I’ve been working on a project called 'Bhook ka koi maut nahin hota' for the last three-four years,” says Sayantan, showing us a large dining table laden with food—food made of concrete. “This is my way of turning the focus towards food security threats,” says the 28-year-old winner of the Special Mention Award who calls his work ‘artistic activism’. “If I serve you concrete in place of real food, will you be able to eat it?” he asks. “By 2050, the global population will double. Some 70 per cent of it will be urbanised and 42 per

AKSHAY MAITI, 25

The second runner-up of the Paresh Maity Award shares a last name with the legendary artist and says that Paresh da was, in fact, his inspiration before he joined art school.

“The truth is I haven’t met him yet. But main unhe bahut maanta hoon, and I hope to see him some day,” he laughs. Akshay’s winning entry is inspired by his village in East Midnapore. “People from cities come to visit us, but never quite understand our lifestyle. That is what I have tried to showcase,” he says.

Does this mean village life is better cent cultivable land is required to feed that population, which is nearly impossible.”

Must art always have a social message? “Art is a living process. It comes from social circumstances.”

Is social media a platform for budding artists? “For me, it is,” says Sayantan. “It’s a way to share my work, which is important. But then, even drinking too much water can be a bad thing.”

DANKUNI, HOOGLI

PANSKURA VILLAGE

than urban living? “Oh no, not at all,” he says emphatically. “Both are good in their own ways, but must see each other for what they are.”

Must art always have a social message? “There are a lot more dimensions to art than that,” he says.

And what’s your take on social media? “Ah, it’s a great way for an artist to gather knowledge.”