Many ancient civilizations flourished along the bank of rivers. Rivers have been nurturing humans by providing water in agriculture and food while playing a role in transportation. The role of rivers in human development can’t be stressed enough.
Global warming is a new challenge for humankind. Scientists have recorded a rapid rise in average temperature around the globe. The melting of ice caps and glaciers in the Himalayan region is taking place continuously. Rivers are dying slowly causing a disastrous impact downstream. Kali is one such river that is facing imminent death with an ebbing flow of water. Water is polluted due to the continuous disposal of industrial and human wastes. That has made the water toxic and unfit for consumption and agricultural uses. The saddening part is that the river is dying and no one seems to care about it.
Creating awareness of the Kali river cries
Environmental degradation due to global warming is real. As a concerned environmental artist in Delhi, she has been spreading messages of global water politics and the water crisis with creative art over the years. Expressing her concerns, she has created a site-specific installation titled, The Cry of Kali River: Do You Care? This installation aims to create awareness among the general public of the dying river. Apart from decreasing water volume, this river has become polluted and loaded with many toxic substances due to the disposal of industrial wastes. The river needs care and proper management to save it from dying.
What makes her installation so special? The engaging installation was made from Covid vaccine bottles to express various meanings to the audience. The installation gives a glimpse of freedom, hope, and cure from the pandemic. However, it reminds us of the difficult days that we have undergone during the pandemic destroying life. The use of vaccine bottles represents the determination of humankind to cure or eagerness to find a solution to any challenge. At the same time, she is questioning the determination and grit of humans in the cleaning of polluted rivers like Kali.
Apart from using Covid vaccine bottles as base materials, she has filled them with toxic and polluted Kali River water. She has poured Kumkum: a red-coloured ingredient made from saffron and turmeric that represents pure and pious things. The
installation is in a yantra structure that passes positive energy and understanding. The main motive of this installation is to create awareness of this river and inspire viewers to take suitable action in this regard. Rivers are pious and significant in nurturing humans on Earth. She hopes to create a positive impact on audiences with this installation.
A seasoned environmental artist in India
As a seasoned environmental artist in India, she loves to express her concerns for global warming, the water crisis, and environmental degradation with aesthetic installations and other artworks. With solo and group exhibitions in many countries, she is one of the most impactful artists in this discipline. The winner of many valuable prizes and recognitions, she has become a top artist who can convey special messages to audiences.