Imagine having a pencil lid as the canvas for your art? Or sesame seeds? Mustard seeds even? Creating his own world on the smallest of canvasses possible, 25-year-old Birkad Madhusudhan is a micro-artist to watch out for. Originally from Tandur, the young artist is currently studying applied arts at JNAFAU (Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University) and has so far created 92 works in this miniature format.
“I like to express myself through my art,” says the self-taught artist before adding, “Micro-art involves a lot of patience and perseverance. At times, when you are just about to finish a piece, it all comes crashing down and you have to start all over again. So, it is both challenging and creative which is a unique combination.” Interested in drawing since his childhood, Madhusudhan wanted to carve his own niche, hence started dabbling in micro-art, which to his delight he found out that he was very good at.
Life-size influences
Inspired by the experimental Russian micro artist, Salavat Fidai, the artist signs off his art with the number 56. Quiz him about it and he replies with a smile, “56 represents the number of letters in my name! (Madhu is 5 letters while Sudhan is 6) Since there is no space for an elaborate signature in micro-art, I use digits.” One look at his works and it’s clear that it’s no mean feat to create the fragile pieces which come with intricate detailing on them.
A micro-art of Lord Ganesha
From recreating the Indian map and animals on sesame seeds, sculpting monuments like Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower on pencil leads to his latest project where he created 52 letters (the English alphabet in both lower and upper case) on a single pencil lead, these pieces of micro art are unique and exceptional.
Madhu, as the artist is fondly called, has also entered the Vajra Book of World Records last year thanks to his unique pieces. The artist says that his work has taught him stillness and shares, “I have realised that it is of no use to get angry at things. This learning has made me understand the importance of hard work and I have been able to transfer it to other aspects of my life too.”
In future, while sculptures are on his check list, as of now this micro artist, whose works can be found on his Instagram handle @mirco_arts_56, wants to create many stunning pieces of art and hone his skill to perfection.