: Oriel 1

Dibyendu Dey and Purnendu Dey have been working hard in Oriel 1 and a great deal has been accomplished in the last couple of days. The hay structures of Durga (along with the lion she is sitting on and the buffalo demon), Ganesh, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Kartikeya are pretty much complete and Sarasvati even has the beginnings of her musical instrument! ('m not sure at the moment if it's a sitar or a veena, but will let you know!)

Visitors to the gallery have been enjoying watching the artists at work and Anuradha Roma Choudhury, the interpreter for the project, is on hand to chat to everyone about the work and the iconography behind it. Make sure you come by and have a look!

The artist Dibyendu Dey weaving wire and hay to form a head

The Goddess Durga, her lion, and the buffalo demon formed from straw and wire

I have now been informed that 'Ganesh' should be spelt with 'Ganesha', so please accept my apologies!

Ganesha has four arms and the head of an elephant, with those big elephant ears enabling him to hear the needs of his people. The multiple arms demonstrate Ganesha's immense power and ability to perform several acts at the same time. This deity brings good luck and clears all obstacles and is therefore worshipped before important events and rituals.

If you look at the picture below you will see that Dibyendu Dey and Purnendu Dey have now covered the straw structure with clay and the image of Ganesha can be clearly seen. He is looking truly impressive!

Here are some more photos of the work so far!

Ganesha's body formed by tying hay to a wire frame

For the next two weeks in Oriel 1 in St Fagans we are thrilled that Purnendu Dey and Dibyendu Dey (two artists from India) will be creating an image of the Hindu Goddess Durga. I’ll be keeping you up to date of the making of a Goddess with photographs and a daily report, but, of course, it’s always better to come and see the work for yourselves. The artists are working all day at the museum, but there will be opportunity for you to talk to them and the interpreter (and get a closer look) between 11.30 and 12.30 and 2.00 and 3.00 every day. For more information please have a look at the museum website.

Purnendu Dey and Dibyendu Dey only started work yesterday, so it’s all been preparatory work so far: the wooden backdrops have been built and paper is being soaked. Have a look at the photos below to see what’s happened so far!