The Bengal Store presents Alokananda Sengupta’s terracotta sculptures on the occasion of the Bengali New Year
Every corner of West Bengal—every district—has its own unique story, most of which never come into the limelight. But what if all the treasures of Bengal, across cities, villages, blocks, and neighborhoods, could be accessed from anywhere in the world?
It was from this very idea that The Bengal Store began its journey. As a commercial website dedicated to Bengal, it created an opportunity to showcase and collect the region’s widely scattered cultural and artisanal wealth on a global platform. Alongside the e-commerce site, the first physical location of The Bengal Store was launched on May 3, 2024, in Jodhpur Park, South Kolkata.
While the exhibition features 14 terracotta sculptures, visitors will also get an added bonus—a glimpse of some samples from Alokananda’s sculpture-making process. In addition, a few of her earlier works in wood and bronze will be on display, along with creations by girls from marginal areas who have come to learn sculpture from her.
From April 15, that very store will host an exhibition of 14 terracotta sculptures by artist Alokananda Sengupta, titled "The Sculpted She." This marks the first time that The Bengal Store is organizing an exhibition of this kind.
The Artistic Vision
The primary material in all of Alokananda’s works is clay—the primordial element of nature. The forms are first shaped in clay and then fired through a natural process. However, what sets these works apart from conventional terracotta is that most of them are vibrant and colorful—rendered in red, yellow, green, and black. As a result, alongside their three-dimensional forms, a dialogue emerges with two-dimensional color and line.
The viewer, therefore, must decide whether to move from form to the details of color and line, or to take the reverse path. In this way, the very idea of traditional sculpture is transformed. We have seen a similar rule-breaking approach earlier in the works of Meera Mukherjee; on her metal sculptures, she would effortlessly draw surrounding imagery and inscribe various subject-oriented texts. When the essence lies in expressing the subject, rules become mere constraints. Breaking those rules to move toward the new—that is the artist’s task.
In that journey, distinctions of gender hold no relevance. Whoever can change the way we see—through form or structure, color or line—whoever can make us see anew, is the true artist of our times and, equally, the sculptor of our origins.
Behind the Scenes
This exhibition offers a glimpse into the artist’s inner world, her thoughts, lifestyle, and creative vision. Before creating a sculpture, an artist often goes through several steps, such as making sketches or preparing small models (maquettes). Although the exhibition mainly features 14 terracotta sculptures, visitors will also get to see examples of Alokananda’s preparation process. In addition, there will be a few of her older sculptures made in wood and bronze, as well as works created by girls from remote areas who have come to learn sculpture from her.
The Bengal Store has recently introduced art and books sections. This year, they are welcoming the New Year with renewed enthusiasm.
About The Bengal Store
Not just a “store,” The Bengal Store is a space that celebrates the handicrafts, textiles, and indigenous agricultural products from all 23 districts of West Bengal, with the aim of passing them on to future generations. Their humble effort is to present and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state on a global platform. Recently, they have also introduced art and book sections. This year, they are welcoming the New Year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Exhibition: The Sculpted She
Opening Event
14 April, 6:30 PM
A conversation with Alokananda Sengupta, joined by Mrinmoyee Deb (Art Historian and Professor at Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata).
Exhibition Dates
15 April to 26 April
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Everyday)
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Sunday)
Venue
The Bengal Store
127, Jodhpur Park, Ground Floor
Kolkata – 700068
Contact: 8585840725
