OCO Fellowship Programme 2024-25
Curatorial note
This research project aims to document the rich heritage of bell metal craft clusters in Odisha. Through in-depth research and collaboration with local artisans, the project will offer valuable insights into the processes, techniques, and cultural significance of this traditional craft.
Its key objectives include documenting the various stages of bell metal production from material sourcing to crafting and finishing techniques and investigating the types of metals and alloys used, their properties, and selection factors. Additionally, it aims to compile and preserve the unique vocabulary associated with the craft, explore its cultural significance in religious rituals and social practices, and produce a high-quality photo book showcasing the region’s bell metal crafts.
The project will focus on clusters denominated by the Directorate of Handicraft, Govt of Odisha, across various locations: Tubey (Angul), Katapali and Kultatikira (Bargarh), Bhatimunda (Cuttack), Bhubana and Indipur (Dhenkanal), Baidyarajpur (Jajpur), Balakati (Khurda), Kantilo and Khalisahi (Nayagarh), and Mamudiha (Ganjam).
Curator of OCO
Fellowship 2024-25
Sibdas Sengupta
Curator
Sibdas works with subjects matters around transformative affectedness in relation to speed and immediacy; ideas around forgetfulness and historical gaps, rejection and space of abstraction. Sibdas has participated in many group exhibition, such as Indian Art Fair(2020); The earth is still going around the sun, curated by Mile Samdab (2019) and Student Biennale, Kochi Muziris Biennale (2016), among others. Sibdas had also various project displays of his installations such as Second Wave Of Amnesia, Final MFA Solo Project Display, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Noida (2019); response to an absurd land, which doesn't exist, Shiv Nadar University (2018) and The City Under-Wrapped, Shiv Nadar University (2018), among others
Fellows of 2024-25
Bilash Sardar
Research Fellow
Bilash Sardar is an art historian, curator, and educator, researcher, currently pursuing his Ph.D. inthe Department of Art History at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, with a Senior Research Fellowship.His research explores curatorial strategies for public art in irregular venues, focusing on contemporary enablers and practices.
He earned his Master’s degree (2017) and Bachelor’s degree (2015) from the Department of Art History and Aesthetics at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda. Over the years, Bilash has curated several notable exhibitions and festivals, including Chai ki Chuski (2016), Retables of St. Thomas Churches (2017), the Sreemesha Art Studio Annual Exhibition(2017), and the Saptasajya Festivals in 2019 and 2021.Bilash taught Art History at Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar.
