At KNMA's The Elemental You, artists explored Earth's essence through works reflecting nature's intricate narratives and connections, says Sakshi Priya
“To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower…”
These words by William Blake come alive as you enter The Elemental You, an exhibition at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. Curated by Akansha Rastogi, it brings together the works of Simryn Gill, Neha Choksi and Hajra Waheed, each exploring the element of “Earth” with a vision that is both timeless and urgent. The experience engages your senses on multiple levels. Neha Choksi’s Porous Earth series draws attention to limestone cast in kiln-glass, revealing stories of geological change and human fragility. Her work highlights the delicate interplay between the permanence of Earth’s materials and the fleeting nature of human life.
Simryn Gill shifts focus to Port Dickson, an industrial port town in Malaysia. Her long-term photographic documentation captures moments of transformation and decay, inviting viewers to reflect on what persists and what fades with time. There is a quiet, poignant beauty in her images that speaks of history and memory.
Hajra Waheed’s interpretation of the night sky leads you to consider boundaries, both physical and emotional. Her drawings evoke the vastness of Kashmir’s starlit skies, working together with personal and collective narratives. It’s as though the heavens hold untold stories, offering a sense of both wonder and loss.
The exhibition is unhurried, encouraging visitors to take their time with each piece. The pathways, “To Think Like a Mountain,” “Survival as Revival,” and “Clearing”, are designed to deepen understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
A collaborative project, The Working Space, extends the exploration further. Artists like Vijai Maia Patchineelam and Ranjana Dave connect themes of grounding and immersion, using tools, landscapes, and micro-stories to reveal the subtle interactions between people and their environments. The Artists’ Roundtable becomes a dynamic space where materials and ideas evolve, creating a dialogue that is both intimate and thought-provoking.
The exhibition does not shy away from hard truths. It juxtaposes beauty with unsettling realities, showing the scars left by mines alongside the resilience of mangroves or the lifelessness of dead snakes beside the enduring strength of mountains. This contrast challenges visitors to confront the environmental challenges of today while appreciating the artistry that brings these narratives to life.
The simplicity of the presentation allows the works to speak for themselves. The museum provides a space for these artists to explore their deep engagement with the natural world, leaving visitors with a sense of introspection and a renewed connection to the Earth. The Elemental You offers a thoughtful exploration of how we relate to our environment. It reminds us of the fragility of our planet and the enduring beauty found in its details. As you leave the exhibition, the reflections it inspires remain, offering a quiet yet powerful reminder of our place within the larger story of the Earth.
PHOTOS : PANKAJ KUMAR
