Barai Art & Sculpture, near Guwahati, is a breathtaking surprise in Northeast India. The outdoor gallery houses sculptures of enormous, realistic dinosaurs, a calm Buddha, and strong rhinos. It’s a captivating wonderland where synthetic material transforms miraculously into stunning art, ready to astonish every passerby.
Who is Behind the Success of the Company
Meet Nihal Barai, the passionate torchbearer of a legacy that began with his father’s artistic dreams. Shivnath Barai, originally from Goalpara, wasn’t just another artist—a dreamer who dared to see possibilities where others saw limitations. After finishing his education at Rabindra Bharati in Kolkata, he got a job at the Science City Museum, where he strengthened his knowledge and creativity.
That year, Shivnath decided to create something amazing in his own country and founded this studio. Currently, Nihal manages the family business using updated strategies and modern marketing knowledge. “My father was the main artist,” Nihal shares with evident pride, “and I’m trying to take his business forward according to today’s times.” It’s clear how much these three generations inspire each other through their strong relationship and mutual admiration, shown by the artistic works together in the house.
How Fiber Is Made into Sculptures
Step into their workshop, and you’ll witness magic unfolding. The process begins with clay modelling—skilled artisans like Praveen Biswas and Gautam, who’ve dedicated decades to perfecting their craft, shape raw clay into preliminary forms. Praveen’s work on a clay piece looks almost like a sculptor conversing with divinity. With skilled motions, his hands form the earth into fantastic shapes.
Yet, the most interesting part comes after that. A plaster mould is created from the clay model, which supports making fibre sculptures. “First, we make it in clay, then we create the mould, and finally, the fibre casting comes,” explains Gautam, whose 20 years of experience in Delhi brought invaluable expertise to this Assam-based studio. Seeing a sculpture burst into life by being stretched into fibre and transformed into something that stays beautiful and sound for years is impressive.
Colors That Connect with the Soul
During the painting phase, people can appreciate the sculptures to their full extent. Pankaj Kalita, the master painter, reveals his three-step colour symphony: “First comes the primer, then we do the finishing with putty, followed by base colour, and finally the golden finish.” Watching him paint the Buddha statue captures my attention. Every layer gives it special features and makes the sculpture appear almost exactly like real precious metal.
Every wrinkle on an elephant’s trunk, every fold in Mother Mary’s robes, and every fierce expression on a dinosaur’s face is meticulously crafted and painted. These aren’t just sculptures; they’re emotional experiences frozen in time, waiting to touch hearts and inspire wonder in everyone who encounters them.
A Company Based on Motivation and Strength
What makes these fibre sculptures truly remarkable isn’t just their beauty—it’s their incredible longevity. “Fiber material has a lifetime of 50-60 years or more,” Nihal explains with conviction. Because of this durable factor, the decoration industry has changed a lot for the better. While regular materials fast in strong weather, these fibre products look just as good even after being outside for years.
Using Facebook and Instagram pages on social media has allowed them to market their services in India. “We use WhatsApp for customer contact, too,” Nihal mentions, showcasing how traditional artistry seamlessly blends with contemporary business practices.
The Emotions You Feel During Appreciation of Art
Strolling through their outside area can be a real emotional experience. Kids get excited as they gaze at gigantic dinosaurs, while adults admire religious sculptures in a more awe-struck way. Fibre railings, decorative pillars, and fountains reflect every city’s most profound fashion sense. Each piece represents dedication, skill, and dreams of absolute and unlimited possibilities by combining creativity and craftsmanship.
Seasons play a significant role in making their business more emotional for their employees. During the wedding season (post-Puja to April), the studio buzzes with activity as couples seek unique decorative elements for their special day. Most of the art world’s energy during the rest of the year centres on permanent paintings and personal commissions to make art available to everyone.
Motivating the Next Generation
As you leave Barai Art & Sculpture, your heart carries the weight of inspiration. Here’s a family business that transformed a father’s artistic vision into a thriving enterprise employing dozens of skilled craftsmen. Here’s proof that traditional artistry can embrace modern materials and techniques without losing its soul. Here’s evidence that Northeast India nurtures artistic talents capable of competing nationally and internationally.
The outlook for what this company is doing is positive— Nihal dreams of expanding to other states and taking its unique fibre art beyond Northeast India’s boundaries. “We want to reach the lower states where we haven’t been able to establish our presence yet,” he shares, his eyes gleaming with the same passionate fire that drove his father to establish this magical kingdom of fibre sculptures.
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