5 minute read
Magic of matchsticks
PRIYANKA B.
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Bivin Lal, an accomplished photographer and magician, is now credited with a URF World Record for the creation of first-ever matchstick video with exact motion. A government employee by profession and guest faculty at Magic Academy, he had featured his photographs in ‘Art and Alchemy’ - an exhibition organised by Soorya to celebrate 177 years of photography. An adherent lover of arts, he is a master of well-timed dance shots. ‘Matchstick Man’, as he is popularly known shares his views on the less explored matchstick art, that requires a great deal of patience and eye for detail.
From macro photography to matchstick miniatures; what inspired you to work with matchsticks?
Roughly three years back, when I was residing in Chirayinkeezhu, I was mainly into stage photography. The frequent travels to the city for covering events became challenging with the arrival of a little member into our family. I always wanted to be different and was in search of something that I could do from home. It was then that I struck upon a Facebook post using matchstick figures. That seemed very interesting to me. But I waited for the right theme to begin my work and quite surprisingly, during a train journey with thickly packed passengers, I overheard a witty Malayalam movie dialogue ‘Purushu enne anugrahikkanam...’ (from the movie ‘Meesa Madhavan’). That was a eureka moment, and thus the first matchstick model was born based on that theme.
The matchstick models used in the scenes are very creative. What do you use as a reference?
Matchstick modelling, a precursor to the matchstick art, began long ago. What makes the latter different from the former is the portrayal of human beings and their conditions using 3D modelling. What I attempt is to develop matchstick art as a distinct form incorporating my ideas and experience in photography. Everyone can easily relate to the themes adopted in my works. Be it the ‘lelu allu’ (based on the Malayalam movie ‘Thenmavin Kombath’, the picture of which was shared on Facebook by Mohanlal himself) model, or the cricket match model that became hugely popular, all subjects are drawn from everyday life.
It may not have been easy for sure; what are the major hurdles in the making of these matchstick figures?
There are many. From the selection of appropriate matchsticks to the choice of right glue and dress material, there are many hurdles to overcome before bringing out these models in the current form out in public.
'The Circus Family'; one of the recent matchstick artwork by Bivin Lal.
Bivin Lal
How is your experience as a photographer helping you in this regard?
For me, matchstick art derives its significance through the application of photographic techniques. The real beauty of each model can be brought out through the captures. My experience in macro photography has helped a lot in this regard. Patience and keen observation are the main assets of a photographer, and this has immensely helped in taking the work forward amidst many futile attempts.
A video using matchstick figures - the idea itself gives goosebumps. How did you make that possible?
It was very complex than I imagined initially. It took almost three months for the creation of the 4.14-minute ‘Song of Love’ video. A total of around 13000 photos were clicked, and among them, 5300 photos were selected to give the movements using the stop motion technique. The music used in the video is a composition of famous playback singer Shahabaz Aman (“Maranamethunna nerathu...” from the movie ‘Spirit’), and I am much indebted to him for his criticism that brought out my best as far as this video is concerned.
What about your family and their support in all these craziness?
My wife Suma never complains about my adventures like this. She knows what I love doing and gives full support. She is the one who helps me with picking the themes and in making the costumes for the models. For female matchstick models, we at times used our baby’s little hair. A black tea during my late night runs in itself is a great motivation.
We could say that one purpose of any art form is to expurgate society. In what ways do you think matchstick art is capable of achieving this?
I have done matchstick models on socially relevant themes such as the Katwa rape case, and UP incident where many infants died of the lack of Oxygen supply. Besides I have prepared a model for the popularisation of ‘Mazhathavalam’ (construction of rainwater harvesting pits), an initiative of District Panchayat and another one for ‘Yuvatha’, a magazine of Kerala State Youth Welfare Board.
The promotional poster of 'Song of Love'. Watch the video in YouTube here: https://bit.ly/ag-sol
Bivin Lal
A government servant, magician, photographer and a matchstick artist; which role delights you the most?
Surely that of a photographer; the happiness of freezing a moment is beyond words.
How do you see the prospect of this art form? In what ways can matchstick art be popularized?
I have seen many celebrated matchstick artworks on social media. But it is disappointing that most of them are not made entirely of matchsticks. Some are only 2D figures made just for the sake of a photograph. In matchstick art, each character should form a whole, and matchsticks should be the primary element in the making. Those who do matchstick art in its completeness are rare. Just as soap models or pencil top models these also can be converted into handcrafted gift items and thus making it more popular.
And what will be the next addition to the list of laurels?
Plans for the future. I want to bring out a matchstick work based on my script and own music. I do get messages every day asking about the next project. But I don’t want to do it in a hurry. An exhibition of my matchstick models is also in the cards. For that my little one also should co-operate (laughs). ●
Priyanka B., is a freelance photographer and an art enthusiast; works as Postal Assistant with Department of Posts, India.
