Artist : Kuntal Barai
Community art Project, 2021
River, Boat, and Life
This land art project explores the life and livelihood of fisherman Rana Sardar through the symbolic presence of his boat. In his daily life, the boat is more than a vessel. It is the foundation of his survival, enabling fishing, transportation, and economic support for his family.
Using charcoal and white pigment, I transformed the surface of the boat into a visual narrative composed of fish, fishing boats, local symbols, and fragments of everyday experiences. These drawings reflect the intimate relationship between the fisherman, the river, and his environment.
The project also became a participatory process, as Rana Sardar’s child and local children contributed to the artwork. Turning it into a collective expression of community, memory, labour, and river-based life.