Rock solid work on display at Bharat Bhawan

BHOPAL: Here is where science meets art. An inspired geologist, after observing for years the secrets of what lies beneath the earth surface, has come up with art work on rocks as old as 2,500 million years. The exhibits are on display as part of the 'Rang Rekha' exhibition, inaugurated at Bharat Bhawan on Wednesday.
"To make sculptures I have used materials dating back to proterozoic to archean era (around 1,500 to 2,500 million years old)," said 67-year-old R K Chaturvedi who retired as deputy director general of Geological Survey of India (GSI).Simply put, Chaturvedi's some of the sculptures are nearly half as old as the earth itself.
"This is Durga in form of Mahishasur Mardini with Shiva on the other side of rock," said Chaturvedi, holding a rock dating back to 2,500 million years. It's hard to ignore the artiste holding one of the oldest sedimentary rocks.
For a man, who has travelled across the globe as a geologist, Chaturvedi takes pride in the fact that Madhya Pradesh has some of oldest geological formations in the world. "Once an idea strikes, I look for a suitable rock with right colours and hardness to work on," said Chaturvedi, whose first art exhibition was held in 2011 after he retired.
Art and science has to blend with spirituality for the retired geologist, who says, "I do not fall in any category. The idea has to appeal me. I am not in it for moneymaking."
About a dozen of Chaturvedi's art work would be on display at the Bharat Bhawan up to October 7.