I am
Ajay Kumar Mattewada

International Micro Sculptor

World Record Recognition | 5 Limca Book of Records | 40+ Years of Micro Art | First Artist in the World to Have Micro Art Officially Sent into Space.

I am Ajay Kumar Mattewada, an internationally recognized micro sculptor from Warangal, Telangana, India. I am dedicated to the rare and extraordinary art of creating sculptures at an extremely microscopic scale-often beyond the limits of the naked eye.

Born on December 7, 1973, into a traditional goldsmith family, I began learning jewellery making and intricate craftsmanship from my father, Sri Mattewada Venkata Charyulu, a freedom fighter and skilled goldsmith, at the age of 13.

For over 40 years, I have dedicated my life to micro sculpture. What began as traditional goldsmith craftsmanship evolved into a lifelong journey of research, experimentation, creative innovation and artistic discipline.

Over the years, I have developed specialized tools, techniques and methods specifically for creating micro sculptures. Some of my sculptures are less than one millimetre in size and require a microscope to be fully appreciated.

Creating a micro sculpture demands immense patience, precision and concentration. Some artworks take months to complete. While sculpting, even the slightest movement can affect the work, and at times I hold my breath to maintain absolute stability. Every touch requires complete focus, steady hands and exceptional skill.

"The tools I use are extremely delicate and require highly precise handling. Creating these rare micro artworks demands exceptional skill and control."

WORLD RECORDS & RECOGNITION

My dedication and contribution to micro sculpture have earned me world record recognition and five Limca Book of Records recognitions. My work has also received appreciation and recognition at both national and international levels.

My artworks have been appreciated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, former Prime Ministers Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, several Chief Ministers and numerous distinguished personalities.

Through my art, I continue to explore new possibilities for creating meaningful works that challenge the limits of human vision, precision and sculptural craftsmanship.

MY MICRO ART IN SPACE

Through Vikram-1, the rocket developed by Skyroot Aerospace, as part of Mission Aagaman, my specially created micro sculptures successfully travelled into space and reached orbit on 18 July 2026, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India.

With this historic achievement, I became the first artist in the world to have micro art officially sent into space as a recognized payload.

My journey-from learning traditional goldsmith craftsmanship from my father in Warangal to sending artworks too small to be seen by the naked eye into space-represents an extraordinary evolution in art, skill and creativity.

From a micro sculpture created inside the eye of a sewing needle to Earth’s orbit, my art has crossed a boundary that once seemed impossible.

My journey in micro art proves that even the smallest artwork can carry the biggest dreams.

My journey continues.

I prepare myself for about a month before conceiving and creating a micro sculpture. I contemplate on where to start and how to execute it, what material to be used, and how small it should be. I have to prepare tools and other materials needed for that and also visualize how it should be after its creation. After that, I sit over it. Sometimes, something goes wrong, and I need to start all over again. I need a congenial atmosphere for it a calm, serene room with light music, and often give up my diet for the day and completely immerse myself in it.

The work needs total dedication and concentration and I should not even blink my eyes. It gives immense irritation to the eyes and frequently causes headaches. I will just rest for a while sitting on a chair. And then the arduous task begins again. It will not give me enough satisfaction until I get it as per my visualization. If the art piece comes out well, my happiness knows no bounds and my eyes get wet with pleasure. Then my whole body relaxes. Each work of micro sculpture takes from one month to five months.

When I am engaged in work, it does not allow me even to breathe as the material I use gets damaged. Hence, I practice yoga and breathing exercises every day.

I Got inspired by micro sculptures made in the eye of the needle by world's famous micro sculptor Mr Willard Wigan of British (UK)

It is my desire to organise an exhibition of my micro sculpture works National/International levels for the art lovers. Those who are interested may contact at my email address