Giant Seahorse Sculpture from Ocean Waste Installed at Kolkata's Rabindra Sarovar
A monumental seahorse sculpture, crafted entirely from discarded plastic and marine debris, has been installed near Gate 8 of Rabindra Sarovar, introducing a striking piece of environmental art to one of Kolkata's most popular lakeside areas. Rising an impressive 15 feet high, the installation titled A Phoenix of the Ocean transforms ocean waste into a vivid visual statement about the escalating crisis of plastic pollution in our waterways.
Journey from Mumbai to Kolkata
The artwork originally debuted at the prestigious Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai before making its way to Kolkata. Conceptualized by Sukrit Sen of the Living Waters Museum and meticulously crafted by artist Vyom, the sculpture underwent refurbishment and installation by the Inner Wheel Club of Central Calcutta, with crucial support from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority.
Construction and Symbolism
Standing on a sturdy three-foot base, the structure incorporates a variety of reclaimed materials, including refurbished metal, discarded fishing nets, molded garbage bags, and plastic collected directly from beaches. The lower section of the sculpture is intentionally coated with used machine oil, symbolizing the harmful pollutants that persistently contaminate marine ecosystems worldwide.
Community Collaboration
Members of the Inner Wheel Club collaborated enthusiastically with students from The BSS School and Harapur Junior High School to refurbish the installation before its placement at the lake's entrance. Notably, Rabindra Sarovar is one of the city's designated plastic-free water bodies, making this location particularly significant for the artwork's message.
Passionate Voices Behind the Project
Vinnyta Agarwala, president (2025–26) of the Inner Wheel Club of Central Calcutta, expressed her deep commitment to the project: "Sustainability is a concept I am deeply passionate about. When I first saw the Seahorse in Mumbai, I knew it belonged in Kolkata. Bringing it here was almost destined."
Sukrit Sen emphasized the enduring power of art in environmental advocacy: "Throughout history, art has remained one of the most democratic and enduring mediums of human expression. In Kolkata, how else to talk about climate awareness if not through art?"
Key Details of the Installation
- Height: 15 feet total, with a 3-foot base
- Materials: Refurbished metal, discarded fishing nets, molded garbage bags, beach-collected plastic
- Symbolic Element: Lower section coated with used machine oil to represent marine pollutants
- Location: Near Gate 8 of Rabindra Sarovar, a plastic-free water body
- Collaborators: Inner Wheel Club of Central Calcutta, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, local school students
This innovative sculpture serves not only as an artistic landmark but as a compelling call to action, urging visitors to reflect on their plastic consumption and its impact on marine environments. The installation stands as a testament to how creative reuse and community engagement can amplify crucial environmental messages in urban spaces.
