A master micro-sculptor has created an extraordinary piece of art that pushes the boundaries of miniature craftsmanship – a tiny sculpture of dancing Lord Ganesh carved on the tip of a single eyelash. The remarkable artwork, measuring just 0.37 millimeters (370 microns) in height, is completely invisible to the naked eye and requires a microscope to view its intricate details.
Ajay Kumar Mattewada, a renowned micro-sculptor from Warangal, unveiled this incredible creation on the eve of Vinayaka Chavithi, a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesh. Known internationally for his ability to carve intricate designs inside the eye of a needle, on strands of human hair, and even on the head of a pin, Ajay's latest masterpiece once again showcases his extraordinary precision and artistic skill.
The creation process was both challenging and time-consuming, requiring specialized materials and tools. Ajay used soft wax, grains of sand, plastic powder, specially crafted micro tools, and even a caterpillar hair as a brush for painting the miniature sculpture. The entire artwork took 120 hours of meticulous work, spread over a period of two months, to complete to his satisfaction.
By profession, Ajay works as a goldsmith, but his passion lies in creating micro-sculptures using rare and unconventional materials. His artistic repertoire includes working with gold, ivory, matchsticks, handmade wax, plastic particles, and nylon materials. This diverse range of mediums allows him to explore different textures and possibilities in his miniature art forms.
Ajay's exceptional micro art has garnered admiration from numerous national and international dignitaries over the years. Notable figures who have appreciated his work include former Indian Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as well as current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His artistic achievements have earned him five world and national records in the Limca Book of Records, along with various international and national awards recognizing his unique contribution to the art world.
The international art community has also taken notice of his remarkable talent. Recently, Ajay's works were showcased at World Art Dubai 2024, where art enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe had the opportunity to witness his incredible micro-sculptures firsthand. This exposure has helped establish his reputation as one of the world's most skilled micro-sculptors, bringing recognition to this highly specialized form of artistic expression.