Rïnde – Stoneware Sculpture
Growing up on the slopes of Purvanchal hills, Upendra Ram has been deeply influenced by the culture practices of the region. His experiments with his artworks draw on his experience in this cultural milieu to create marvellous totem-like structures that represent gram-devatas i.e., village deities. During his residency at BEADS, he studied the studio’s existing research on Niyamgiri hills.
Read MoreWith Rinde he creates a fluid and towering totem structure exaggerating its perceptibility with intricate motifs of the Dongria culture. The triangles epitomise the mountain Niyamgiri which is worshipped by the Dongrias. The curves characterize the roaring waterfalls and rivers flowing through the hills.This signature totemic ceramic product was created using hand-coiled methods on a wheel. Its red clay with a burnt umber colour is dedicated to Odisha’s native flora and fauna.Rinde portrays the gateway to Niyamgiri depicting all forms of life, culture and sensitivity in one structure.”