A Devoted Folk Artist

Photo:Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

65-year-old Haripada Pal believes that his work helps him establish a strong connection with God.  Pal is a veteran sculptor who has been representing Bangladeshi folk art in the world arena.
Renowned folklorist and emeritus Professor Henry Glassie highlighted him in his celebrated publication series, 'The Potter's Art' (1999). Jointly published by Material Culture, Philadelphia and Indiana University Press, Bloomington and Indianapolis, Glassie highlights the modern masters of traditional ceramics from the United States, Sweden, Turkey, Bangladesh and Japan, in his book.
A sculptor from Shakharibazar at Old Dhaka, Pal has been making exquisite statues and models of different Hindu deities from a very young age as part of his family business.  In 1964, he decided to branch out and open his own shop and workstation 'Shimuliya Bhashkor Shilpalay,' in Shakharibazar.
In 2002, Haripada Pal represented Bangladesh in the Smithson Folklife Festival held in National Mall in Washington DC, patronised by Henry Glassie where his work was internationally recognised and lauded.
“Sometimes I get so involved in my work that I hardly feel anyone else's presence around me. It feels like I unite with the Gods at the time. I have devoted my life to sculpting and also, I earn a decent living with it,” says a content Haripada Pal who worships through his work.
His choice of medium is soft clay and straw. However, he occasionally likes to work with cement, plaster and brass as well.  He works tirelessly and with great care, to give the sculptures a perfect shape and finishing. Around six people work under Haripada Pal. His business profits most during the seasons of Puja, and during off-seasons he takes orders from various individuals and organisations.