Dimapur, Dec. 8 (EMN): Preserving the traditional art of wood carving and sculpting T Meren Imsong has produced works that have been attributed as crafts of class. In 2011, he was given a state award for his wooden sculpture ‘Burden of Man’ which was later nominated, from the Northeast, for a national-level prize. The sculpture consists of 23 human figures depicting the ‘burdens’ of human life.
Imsong, a 41-year old and based in Dimapur, did not have any formal training. He initially took up the art of wood carving and sculpture making as a hobby at a young age, and became a full time sculptor in 2007. He credits another artist Lepden Jamir for teaching him the art of sculpting.
Chisel and hammer are the tools which he uses; no machineries are used in his crafts. Imsong’s work, the wooden carved ‘Pillar of Love,’ based on the Ao folk-tale of Jina and Etiben and other life-sized wooden sculptures with intricate detailing, can be found in Mopungchuket village. Most of his works are figurative.
The artist has exhibited some of his works at the Hornbill International Photo Fest at Kisama. His work consists of wooden carved masks and life-sized traditional wooden sculptures. In 2011, his work ‘Pillar of Fear,’ measuring 13 feet, was exhibited during the Hornbill Festival; it has a total of 113 human figures depicting the past, present and future situation of the Naga.
Imsong lamented the lack of a common platform for sculptors to come together and exhibit their crafts, exchange ideas and promote the art. He thanked the organisers of Hipfest 2017 for giving him a platform to showcase his works. The artist has expressed hope that through such mediums, traditional sculpting will be preserved and promoted especially among the younger generation.
(Inputs from DIPR)
