Jalpaiguri Durga Puja Committee Honors Picasso’s "Guernica" with Unique Tribute

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 20, 2024, Jalpaiguri : In a powerful artistic statement reflecting the current global unrest, the New Para Adi Durga Puja Committee in Jalpaiguri is drawing inspiration from Pablo Picasso's iconic mural, Guernica. This year, the committee has chosen to showcase a unique representation of the mural in the form of a decagon, highlighting the stark parallels between the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War and today’s world.

Guernica, painted in response to the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War in April 1937, is renowned for its haunting imagery, including a woman holding a dead child and a bull symbolizing brutality and chaos. The monochromatic work captures the devastation and suffering caused by conflict, resonating deeply with contemporary issues of violence and despair.

In light of these themes, the committee's artistic endeavor aims to provoke thought and reflection during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. Biswajit Ghosh, a sculptor from North Bengal, explained that the idol of Goddess Durga is being crafted in a studio using clay coated on wood and plywood. "We are merging Picasso's purist ideals with traditional Indian art to comment on the state of the world," Ghosh stated.

This initiative not only honors a historical artwork but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cycles of violence that persist in society. The committee hopes that this creative fusion will inspire dialogue among festival-goers and encourage a deeper understanding of the themes represented.

As the festival approaches, the New Para Adi Durga Puja Committee's tribute to Guernica stands as a testament to the power of art in addressing social issues and fostering community reflection during a time of celebration.