Have you ever wondered about a window that can keep you abreast with the time, or a clock that offers a glimpse of the outdoors? Enter the idyllic world of Dhiraj Sharma’s Time Window—a masterful symphony of reuse and ingenuity. Forged from the diverse array of materials that have been a hallmark of his career, this innovative timepiece is as much a work of art as it is a functional object.
In the crowded bylanes of Bengaluru’s bustling markets, one might encounter Dhiraj Sharma, an artist with an unwavering commitment to upcycling. Since 2006, this Bengaluru-based innovator has been on a quest to breathe new life into discarded materials. “In the last 18 years, I’ve consumed more than 360 kilos of discarded items to make over 150 artefacts,” Dhiraj recounts from his creative sanctuary within the city.
Marking Earth Day this year, the founder of 8mango—an enterprise that ingeniously transforms junk into treasures—unveiled the Time Window. “I’ve embedded fragments of every material I’ve encountered over my career—wood, metal, plastic, rubber, acrylic, you name it. Over 95% of its components were once considered refuse,” he explains with a palpable passion for his craft.
Dhiraj Sharma’s journey with 8mango has produced numerous creations, from abstract sculptures to practical objects, all underscored by an ethos of environmental consciousness.
The mesmerizing charm of the Time Window is no mere accident; it draws inspiration from the storied heritage architecture of Rajasthan. “Gaze into it, and you’ll discover a labyrinth of cogs and gears, repurposed from the remnants of mechanical clocks and the automotive graveyard of old cars and bikes,” Dhiraj describes, revealing sources of his materials for this elaborate piece.
Not only an ornate wall fixture, the Time Window serves dutifully as a fully operational clock. “I meticulously repaired its inner workings, and I take pride in saying that more than 90% of it is handcrafted from reclaimed waste,” he adds with a note of achievement.
Dhiraj delves into the origins of his materials: “The local scrapyard is often my starting point. There’s a network of people who appreciate my knack for reviving the obsolete. From an unloved computer mouse to tangled wires, to forgotten CDs—no item is too insignificant in my eyes.”
Earlier this year, Dhiraj ventured into the realm of awards, crafting custom trophies from the circuit boards and components of electronic aftermath. “While the traditional trophies are largely uniform and mass-produced, mine exude a story and singularity,” he states. These awards not only recognize achievements but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing our collective carbon footprint. He emphasizes that all his creations are available for purchase, with bespoke pieces made upon request.
Both aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly, Dhiraj Sharma’s works underscore his philosophy—there is beauty and purpose in what we discard. Each piece is a testament to his dedication to repurposing e-waste, creating art that is both meaningful and serves as a clarion call to the conservation of our planet.
For enthusiasts and supporters of eco-conscious art, an exploration of Dhiraj’s portfolio is merely a click away at 8mango.com. There, one can appreciate the myriad forms that discarded materials can take under the deft hands of an artist committed to a greener future.
In a world often indifferent to waste, Dhiraj Sharma’s Time Window stands apart—a celebration of sustainability, a clock that beats to the rhythm of conservation, and above all, a harbinger of the untapped potential that awaits in what we leave behind.
