Muted Ground I

The "Muted Ground" series emerges as a profound exploration, spotlighting the intrinsic interplay between craft, material, and the historical identity of Pancham Nagar—a place whose terrain served as the inspiration for these sculptural works. Nestled between Sanchi and Khajuraho in central India, Pancham Nagar once thrived as a renowned center for a paper board (gatta) factory and the skilled craftsmanship of brass/copper utensils by the Thathera community. However, for the last 150 years, this once vibrant town has been abandoned, and relegated to the forgotten corners of history.

Unbeknownst to me until recently, my grandfather shared the untold stories and history of Pancham Nagar, unraveling a hidden chapter in my family's past. Motivated by this newfound knowledge, I embarked on a journey to document the narratives and history of this lost tangible cultural heritage, transforming my research into a series of sculptures.

 In this artistic endeavor, materials transcend conventional notions of formal representation; instead, they function as containers, encapsulating the essence of the place, its culture, and its identity. These sculptures are more than artistic expressions; they are fragments of Pancham Nagar, each highlighting vital landmarks of the town. Crafted from recycled paper pulp, these sculptures pay homage to the memory of the paper factory—an integral part of the town's identity. Additionally, brass wire is employed to illustrate the migration route from Pancham Nagar to the present location, symbolizing the journey my family and the Thathera community undertook.

 Through these sculptures, the "Muted Ground" series becomes a tribute, a visual narrative preserving the rich history and identity of a forgotten town that once thrived with craftsmanship and cultural significance