Bulandshahr Legacy Festival 2022

The river has been an integral part of human existence. Most of human civilisation, cities and towns are developed around rivers and water bodies. It has always played an important role in influencing cultures and various practices, including rites and rituals. The Kali Nadi was once an integral part of Bulandshahr with its historical ghats and connect with daily life which has now turned into nothing more than a toxic stream. As an artist who has been working with the element of water and rivers for past many years, this becomes a starting point in this installation for Aarrti Zaveri while working on the banks of the Kali Nadi.

In this Earth installation, Aarti uses collected water from the Kali nadi to create a Yantra : the fount of ancient wisdom. The yantra is used in many parts of India to pass on the good energy and understanding. By the banks of Kali Nadi, she creates this installation for all those who are here with the intent of wanting to see a vibrant flowing river nurturing life.

Since time immemorial there has been a healthy balance between us and the rivers, a mutual dependence.  In today’s modern age, we have lost our connect with the river. Hence the degradation and a host of environmental issues.

The significance of red and black on the yantra installation is to celebrate the diversity and energy of the river. The river in its tangible form and its intangible stories awaits intervention from like-minded individuals and society in order to show the beauty of coexistence.

This work belongs to a series initiated by artist Aarrti Zaveri. She has  been working on a series on the elements in particularly with Water and Rivers since 2016 and intends to continue this series to create awareness and sensitivity for all.