‘It’s silicon, but feels as if our loved ones are still with us’

In world where digital twins are striving to preserve the essence of a person who is no more, Kolkata has found a way to hold on to memories in the analogue world. Life-like silicon figures are comforting those grieving for their loved ones. Crafted with startling realism, they provide an emotional and tactile anchor to the bereaved. CT spoke to the man behind the art, Subimal Das, and the families embracing this unique way of preserving memory.

When love outlives loss
After his wife Indrani passed away in 2021, Tapas Kumar Sandilya honoured her wish with a life-like statue. “She used to say, if I die first, do one like this for me,” he recalled. “For me, it’s like she is still here.” Samit Dutta, an advocate, lost his father in 2022 and found comfort in his statue. “It looks just like my father,” he said. He later ordered one of his mother too. Gita Bhattacharjee from Tollygunge, whose son has been missing for 12 years, said, “I don’t know if he’s dead or alive. This helps me feel he’s still here.”

How memory takes shape
Silicon sculptor Subimal Das began working with the material in 2013, drawn to its ability to capture both form and emotion. A trained artist, he started out in 2007 with museum installations before shifting focus. He ventured into preserving memories of loved ones from 2022, when Tapas Kumar Sandilya commissioned a statue of his late wife, Indrani. The work drew attention and opened the door to more such requests. Since then, Subimal has completed 20+ statues. “Each project is deeply personal. I study everything, from photos to how they smiled.”

‘Art can hold emotion – this proves it’
The intricate craft of life-like silicon statues is gaining popularity. “It takes about two to two-and-a-half months to complete each statue,” says Subimal. Despite the cost, families find comfort in these creations. “Kolkata was skeptical at first, but now more people are showing love and respect for the art,” he said, adding “Orders are pouring in from across Bengal and abroad.” An yesteryear actress with a famous surname has ordered one for her family, he says.

Quotes:
When people trust me with this, it’s not just work anymore. It becomes personal for me too – Subimal Das, silicon statue artist

I took the statues of Maa and Baba for a ride to Victoria Memorial after New Year’s this year. When I look at them, it feels like they are still with us– Samit Dutta