Telangana’s micro-sculptor Ajay Kumar sculpts Brazil’s “Christ the Redeemer” in the eye of a needle

The Warangal based micro-sculptor has created a microscopic statue of "Christ the Redeemer”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a tribute to Jesus Christ marking the Christmas celebration.

Warangal: Telangana’s micro-sculptor Ajay Kumar Mattewada, internationally renowned for his extraordinary micro sculptures, has come up with yet another wonder on the eve of Christmas.

The Warangal based micro-sculptor has created a microscopic statue of “Christ the Redeemer”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a tribute to Jesus Christ marking the Christmas celebration.

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The original statue, standing at 30 meters (98 feet) tall, has been replicated intricately within the eye of a needle. The miniature statue is 1.1 mm in height. This micro-sculpture beautifully details Jesus’ fingers and the wrinkles on his garments with remarkable clarity as seen in the original statue.

Speaking to Telangana Today Ajay Kumar informed that he created the sculpture using wax- specially made by him, plastic powder and caterpillar hair for colouring. For detailing, he used delicate tools made from silkworm hair that bend when blown upon.

In all, he worked for 90 hours over a period of two months to create the micro-sculpture, which could not be seen normally; one has to take the help of a microscope to see the artwork and it is a hallmark of his works.

Ajay Kumar further informed that he created a 0.95 mm tall and 0.17 mm wide microscopic golden cross sculpture of Jesus Christ in the eye of a needle in 2017. In 2023, he sculpted “The Last Supper,” depicting Jesus Christ with his twelve disciples as portrayed in a mural painting by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci.

His works put on display at “World Art Dubai-2024” exhibition, featuring 400 artists from 65 countries, held in Dubai this May earned him accolades from visitors and world class artists from around the world. He has won many national and international prizes for his micro sculptures.

In June, Ajay Kumar won first prize in the “India-America Space Cooperation Visual Art Competition-2024” organised by the US Consulate General in Hyderabad for his minuscule art work, wherein he expertly sculpted Indian and US astronauts standing on moon

He was invited as a special guest to the US National Day celebrations, where he received the award from US Consul General Jennifer Larson and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. During this event, Ajay showcased his micro-sculptures.

Ajay Kumar’s micro-sculpture depicting the Dandi March is on permanent display at the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial Museum in Dandi, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the memorial in 2019, appreciated Ajay’s artistry personally.

Ajay Kumar is one of only three or four artists in the world who create sculptures inside the eye of a needle. He set a world record in 2004 and has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records five times. His works have been appreciated by former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chief Ministers and other notable personalities.