Coimbatore artist makes matchstick monuments

Venkatesh of Coimbatore is an expert in creating art works using matchsticks. He has created various replicas of famous monuments and historical structures.

By Jehovah. G

Palladam (Coimbatore), Aug. 21 : Venkatesh of Coimbatore is an expert in creating art works using matchsticks. He has created various replicas of famous monuments and historical structures.

Venkatesh's creations include the Taj Mahal, Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and even a replica of the Titanic ship.

His favourite work of art is the replica of the Tanjore Temple that he created using 51,306 matchsticks, without their caps. The replica of the temple measures over eight feet in length and four feet in width and it took Venkatesh 520 hours (over 21 days) to make. The structure stands over two feet in height.

Twenty Seven-year-old Venkatesh is a resident of Palladam near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. He has been practicing this art since childhood. And, today, he takes pride showcasing it to others.

Initially, he used waste paper and cardboard to create the objects

Recently, he held an exhibition of his works, which earned a good response and appreciation of art lovers here.

"We have come to see the replica of Tanjore Temple. It is beautiful and amazing. I have seen it for the first time and it's really beautiful," said Kavita, a visitor.

Venkatesh finds it difficult to conserve his delicate work as the changing weather conditions pose a big problem.

He says: "I have worked on the Tanjore Temple. But it is not easy to preserve the creative works. So, I am going to dedicate it to an old-age home or an orphanage."

In future, Venkatesh wants to create replicas of the Meenakshi Ammal Temple of Madurai, the historic Red Fort and the St. Mary's Church of Velankanni.

ANI