When Trees Fall, Art Rises: Breathing New Life into Lalbagh’s Ancient Wood In the heart of Bengaluru, within the hist

When Trees Fall, Art Rises: Breathing New Life into Lalbagh’s Ancient Wood

- By Rafiq Pasha

In the heart of Bengaluru, within the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, fallen trees are being transformed into lasting works of art. What was once seen as a loss has transformed into an opportunity for creativity, conservation, and cultural dialogue during the second National Wood Carving Workshop, set against the garden’s lush greenery.

The workshop began on a Friday morning, 2 Jan 2026, marking the start of a 15-day immersive event that gathers 48 skilled wood carvers from various districts. Alongside them are students of visual arts and other disciplines, learning not only the techniques of carving but also the philosophy of working in harmony with nature. The setting of a celebrated botanical garden in Asia adds a profound significance to the process.

What makes this workshop particularly meaningful is the source of its materials. The wood used comes entirely from trees that once stood tall within Lalbagh but fell naturally due to age, root cavities, strong winds, or heavy rains. Some of these trees are estimated to be nearly 150 to 200 years old, including species such as mahogany and nilgiri. Instead of being discarded, these ancient trunks are now being repurposed, allowing their stories to continue in a new form.

This year, the artists are focusing on themes inspired by nature, carving representations of flora and fauna. The goal is not only aesthetic but also symbolic: to reflect the intimate relationship between art and the natural world. Through careful craftsmanship and thoughtful design, the wood, shaped by centuries of growth, is given another century or more of life as sculptural heritage.

Once completed, the artworks will be preserved and displayed in Lalbagh’s Open-Air Wood Museum. Pieces created during an earlier workshop in 2018 are already on display there, carefully maintained. The new set of carvings is planned for installation at an additional location within the garden, designed to be more interactive and engaging for visitors. This approach aims to make art accessible, especially to families and younger audiences, encouraging closer observation and participation.

Preservation is treated with as much seriousness as creation. The wooden sculptures are laminated every two years and treated with pesticides and protective compounds based on expert guidance. These measures vary depending on exposure to the weather, ensuring that the artworks withstand the test of time while remaining true to their organic origins.

Beyond craftsmanship and conservation, the workshop carries a broader message. It highlights an art form that does not harm nature but instead emerges from its natural cycles. By transforming fallen trees into cultural assets, the initiative demonstrates how environmental responsibility and artistic expression can coexist. It also invites the public, especially children, to engage with art in a manner that fosters respect for nature rather than exploitation of it.

As visitors wander through Lalbagh during these days, they may hear chisels gently tapping against aged wood, slowly revealing forms that once lived as trees and now communicate as art. In this quiet transformation, the garden reminds us that endings in nature often hide beginnings, and that with care and creativity, even fallen giants can rise again.

To explore more such stories and untold narratives from the world of art and artists, we invite sculptors, painters, collectors, and art lovers to visit our website www.artexgallery.com. The platform is a growing space for discovering artworks, engaging with creative journeys, and celebrating artistic expression across cultures. Readers who wish to share their own experiences, reflections, or tales connected to art are warmly encouraged to write to us at artexgallery97@gmail.com and become part of an evolving artistic conversation.