Celebrating Indigenous Art: Dr. Bahom Kaling Darang’s Exhibition in London
By Bengia Ajum
ITANAGAR, March 7: The works of Arunachal Pradesh’s own Dr. Bahom Kaling Darang will be featured at the esteemed annual london-to-drive-up-sa-uk-trade-and-investment/” title=”Paul Mashatile Touches Down in London to Drive Up SA-UK Trade and Investment”>exhibition hosted by the Society of Portrait Sculptors in the UK, taking place in London from March 17 to March 30.
This year marks the event’s impressive 61st iteration. Among the highlights of this exhibition will be Dr. Darang’s piece titled “The Konyak.”
Originally from Pasighat in East Siang district and now practicing dentistry in Guwahati, Assam, Dr. Darang is gearing up for his trip to London next week for this significant event. In a conversation, he shared insights into the rigorous selection process that artists must navigate to have their work highlighted at this prestigious showcase.
“The selection involves a two-tier elimination process,” explained Dr. Darang. “Initially, you submit photos and videos of your artwork for preliminary review by a jury who compiles a shortlist based on these submissions.” Those whose pieces make it through are then required to physically ship their artwork for further consideration.
Ultimately, successful participants receive invitations to present their work during an exhibition and sale event in London. “It’s truly an honor to take part as only a handful achieve this recognition each year,” he remarked. “Approximately one hundred artworks are displayed annually; however, two-thirds are selected from global submissions competing for inclusion.”
Despite his primary career as a dental surgeon, Dr. Darang has pursued sculpture with passion since his early years.
“I started my sculpting journey through self-study,” he recounted; however,” learning experiences with renowned contemporary sculptors during workshops held in Spain (2022) and Italy at The Florence Academy of Art (2024) have significantly broadened my skills.”
His artistic focus is particularly on capturing sculptures representative of various tribes from Northeast India—especially those indigenous to Arunachal Pradesh—to share their stories and cultural richness with audiences worldwide.
