"THE FRAGILITY OF HABITAT"

Aarrti Zaveri’s Art Installation takes a deep look at the Core of Earth through natural materials and found objects weaving them together aesthetically to bring out a sensitive subject which affects each one of Us as we grapple with Our day to day life.
Earth today is under immense pressure than any other time before in the History of mankind. Humans have laid a stranglehold on its resources and Nature is working hard to maintain its balance and core.
It is time we pause and look at the wisdom from ancient times ignoring of which has brought us to the current situation.
The Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which in Vedic tradition means ‘All living beings on the Earth are a Family ‘. The original verse appears in Chapter 6: Verse 71 of the Maha Upanishad…

• One is a Relative, The other Stranger
• Say the Small minded
• The Entire World is a Family
• Live the Magnanimous.

It is also beautifully brought out in the African tradition in the word ‘Ubuntu ‘ which is a Nguni Bantu term meaning ‘Humanity’. It is broadly translated as ‘I am because We are’. The three pillars of Ubuntu are Interpersonal Values, Intrapersonal Values and Environmental Values signifying regard for others, regard for self and the environment.
There is also the Red Indian Chief Seattle’s letter to the American President in different versions but not losing the context of nurturing our relationship with nature and how we need to preserve it.
These are just a few of many remarkable examples and quotes across lands and cultures including religious books and traditions wherein We are constantly reminded of Our responsibility towards Mother Earth which nurtures us.

In this Site Specific Installation with many layers of understanding and components, One of the primary shape is of the flowing river which overcomes all obstacles as it journeys onward. The flowing river has been integral to Aarrti’s own journey as a person and an artist who loves working with the Elements that sustain Life.
The audience is expected to Walk through this to experience it empirically. The material used is Bamboo consciously for its diversity and versatility with over 1400 known species across the World. Bamboo also has strong cultural roots across the World as food, fuel, construction, fishing, musical instruments, writing (paper/pen), weapon among many others.
Jute is used for its strength, affordability and sustainable packaging and to show it as a great alternative to single use plastic.
The writing of Hope in different Indian languages and Ubuntu and other words is to reflect that it’s still not late to be aware and there is always Hope. Hope is collective for all Human beings irrespective of Colour, Creed, Religion and Language enabling us to look within and to change, Beginning with Our own individual choices which shall affect Our coming generations.
The Spherical structure at the Center of the pathway represents Mother Earth and wants to show it without geographical boundaries. The wrapping of it with Jute is to show how we have drained it of its natural resources and affected every living organism.
The layer of Earth and Seed installation is Created with soil, plastic and non biodegradable materials showing how the excessive use of plastic, glass, cement and non biodegradable materials puts an immense burden on soil and layers of Earth. It is only the resilience of Soil that seeds are able to become plants and grow. The power of seed and nature’s ability to nurture it is brought out beautifully in an apocryphal story wherein a seed found in a terracotta pot from the Indus valley civilization(3300BCE ) when planted germinated showing the strength of the seed to survive through time.
The Creation of the Bamboo huts is to showcase the inherent strength that nature has blessed Us with. The Web of Life installation through a spider’s web in the bamboo hut shows how We are all linked and interconnected to each other. It is also inspired by Fritzof Capra’s work wherein he provides an extraordinary new foundation for ecological policies that will allow us to build and sustain communities without diminishing the opportunities for future generations. The Second hut is meant for Contemplation wherein one can sit and reflect on the fragility of habitat.
The importance of number 108 in Indian Spiritual practices and life giving role of basic elements and how We as humans have taxed it is depicted with this installation. Each bottle holding significance of what has happened in most parts of the World. Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky all are suffering at the hands of human intervention.
Aarrti shares her thoughts on the deep interconnection of humanity with the five Elements  which are integral to life and shows this through her immersive art installation: The Fragility of Habitat.
Aarrti’s art work is not only about posing the question that concerns each one of Us but also to look at possibilities of how We can be part of change. It could begin by taking a pledge to be more Responsible with 3 R’s in mind : Refuse, Recycle, Reuse.
Refusing to single use plastic and other non biodegradable items.
Recycling as much of it possible by finding alternative usage.
Reusing it consciously and with awareness.
Come and Experience ‘ The Fragility of Habitat‘ at The Habitat Centre through the month of January 2023.
There will be Curatorial Walks and Interactive Sessions with the Artist.