Visakhapatnam: A.K. Ghosh is a perfect example of how age need never be a hindrance to talent. At 76, the former marine engineer, has turned artist, with his house and terrace garden becoming a repository of his paintings, sculptures and other artefacts, such as masks and bells, that he has crafted over only the last few months.
“I took up art and sculpture seriously about a year ago,” says Mr Ghosh.
“The first frame, with a fountain and village landscape, took six months to complete. I consulted a professor of art from Andhra University, who pointed out my errors. Now, a work does not take me more than three or four hours,” said Mr Ghosh.
Mr Ghosh’s themes range from realistic to abstract. He has copied a Cubist work of Picasso’s, while his fridge door is adorned with a landscape he drew.
He has done sketches of Charlie Chaplin, Satyajit Ray, and some Bengali artists and also painted facial expressions in isolation, such as fury.
He has also tried his hand at sculpture, using cement and wood. His artistic talent surfaced when he was in Class IX when he drew a perfect self-portrait, standing in front of the mirror one day, before going on to draw his teacher also just for the fun of it.
“People used to adore my art, but I never thought of taking it up seriously,” recalls Mr Ghosh.
Perhaps this is a regret as he was not good at studies, being dyslexic.
“My wife passed away 13 years ago and my children are abroad. It is hard to concentrate at my age, but my art, and the music player, which remains on throughout the day, have helped me beat loneliness,” says Mr Ghosh, who is planning to hold an exhibition of his works in the city soon.
He has also been active in social work since 1997. His son, Bobby Ghosh, was a former editor of Time magazine, and had started his career with Deccan Chronicle, Vizag.
