Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnai became first Indian to win Fred Darrington Sand Master Award. The award was conferred during Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival held in Dorset, England.
The Award honours artists who make outstanding contributions to sand sculpture and cultural expression.
Key Highlights
- Award: Fred Darrington Sand Master Award- awarded for excellence in sand sculpture.
- Special Sculpture: Pattnaik created a 10-foot sculpture of Lord Ganesha with message “World Peace”.
- Special Significance: The award presentation coincides with 100th birth anniversary of Fred Darrington, the legendary British sculptor known as the Father of British Sand Sculpture.
- Recognition: Organisers described award as “poetically fitting”, citing Pattnaik’s global reputation and peace-themed message as a continuation of Darrington’s legacy.
- Sandworld- International Sand Art Festival 2025: It features top global sand artists showcasing their skills in intricate, large-scale sculptures. It is known for Giant sand sculptures created using only sand and water.
About Sudarsan Pattnaik
- Global Recognition: Represented India in 65+ international sand art festivals & championships.
- National Honour: Recipient of Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
- Artistic Style: Combines spiritual motifs with strong social and global messages, often emphasizing peace, environmental awareness, and human rights.
- Origin: Hails from Odisha and globally renowned for his work at Puri Beach.