A 16-year-old student has created interesting mirror frames, chairs and other products using waste materials like iron rods, strips, shafts and old sheets. Karan Bhardwaj reports
These intricate metal objects (in pictures) appear to be masterpieces of some experienced karigar who would like to generate things out of every thing thrown away. But these artistic chairs, candle stands, mirrors and tables, which are made strictly from waste metal materials, are works of a 16-year-old boy Robin Passi, a class XI student. They are on display at the Arushi Art gallery till September 14. The exhibition titled Memories of Heavy Metal and Glass showcases 13 of Passi’s works, which he produced in last one year. Very subtly, he informed us how by throwing away consumer products and replacing them with new ones which are also mass produced and standardised, we are losing out on diversity and authenticity in the objects around us.
“The idea is to tell people that metal is a not waste product and it can be recycled. I have made beautiful objects using leftovers. One can always utilise junk in this manner,” said the young artist.
Passi is hopeful to eventually become a full-fledged artist. “I have made close to 50 objects but we are showing only 13. I have made all of them at my home only,” he said.
Passi is a self-taught artist and is interested in design. “I have done two shot summer courses from Brown University. I like to understand the designs. It’s not art but design which fascinates me. I started making objects at a small age. I was in Class V when I first made things like pen case. My mother saw potential in me and encouraged,” shared the artist, who had put his first exhibition at The Oberoi Hotel.
“It was called Beauty of life and had digitally enhanced photographs,” he said. When asked about his inspiration in the art world, he named Subodh Gupta. “He is very dynamic. His sculptures, paintings, video art… everything is amazing. I have met him twice and is a big inspiration for me,” he said.
His works, association with the gallery are managed by his mother. In future, he wants to create something which is “recognisable and seen”.