Welcome the Iron Man

Gurnaaz Kaur

What would you do with a scrap metal part? Most of you would be wondering if that even makes for a question. The obvious answer is - trash it. But Pritpal Singh Matharu has a different answer to the question. “When I look at scrap metal parts, which look like waste to everyone, I see a nose or hands or some other body part,” he says.

This may sound imaginative, but it is true. Those scrap metals are of great interest to Pritpal. “I make sculptures out of scrap metal parts. They are called Pollybots and look like humanoid figures from outer space or even future,” he says. Not just the usage of scrap is unique, the name too sounds very interesting. “My nickname is Polly and they are named after it. A friend and I were having a random conversation when he came up with the idea of calling these robot sculptures Pollybots,” he says and smiles. These unique sculptures do make for a nice decoration piece. 

What started as a garage hobby, has reached art exhibitions and that’s quite a feat. “I started making them in 2013. Initially, it started as a spare time thing in my factory and garage. Now, with people appreciating the effort and some of the most respectable names in the art circle calling it a complete work of art, I think I’ve moved up the ladder,” a proud Pritpal says. His work has been exhibited twice and the recent one was with Creative Karma, Visual Art Exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan.

He is an engineer and an industrialist. Both came handy for him. While engineering gives him the skill of welding and joining various metal parts into one form, his factory gives him the resources and space. 

Talking about his inspiration, it is perhaps an inspiration for not just city residents but for many people across the world. “Late Nek Chandji’s work has always inspired me. Rock Garden is a masterpiece and I am following in his footsteps by making the best out of waste,” Pritpal shares.

This engineer-cum-artist plans to keep making more Pollybots and giving them different looks. Soon, he’ll come with some interesting names for them and maybe, someday, he’ll even sell the robots. He says it’s the response that gives him the confidence to carry on with the effort. “The current scenario is very encouraging. Social media has really made art available to everyone. One can always post pictures of a new art form and get instant feedback. The availability of places to display art has also helped in reaching out to public,” he says.

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