Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik wins gold in Spain

Odisha-based sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's sculpture of Hindu god Ganesha has won two gold medals at the just-concluded Solo International Sand Art Contest in Marbella, Spain.

Pattnaik's 3.5-metre sand sculpture bearing message - "Save The Sea Life" - won in 'People's Choice' and 'Best Positive' sculpture categories.

Pattnaik used about 1,000 tonnes of sand to build the sculpture.

He was the only sand artist from India to participate in the contest held July 9-17.

Other participants included artists from Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Holland.

Pattnaik has participated in more than 50 international sand art competitions across the globe and won many accolades.

A sand sculpture congratulating Pranab Mukherjee on his victory in the Presidential election, created by sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik at the Puri beach in Orissa.

The sand image created by Sudarsan Pattnaik earlier on a beach in Orissa's Puri town appealing to people to save the sport of hockey.

The sand image of Michael Jackson after his death made on Orissa's Puri beach.

Sudarshan Pattnaik gives finishing touches to a sand sculpture to mark the killing of Osama bin Laden at the golden sea beach at Puri, Orissa.