ARTIST NOTE

My artistic practice draws inspiration from the sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles that have thrived in Ladakh for centuries, with a particular focus on the region's traditional architectural methods. These structures, built using local materials like stone, sundried bricks, and rammed earth, reflect a deep understanding of Ladakh's fragile ecology. Their massive masonry walls, timber supports, and flat earth roofs embody a harmonious integration with the natural environment. However, this sustainable heritage is gradually fading, and my art seeks to revive and reinterpret these practices in the context of contemporary environmental challenges. Central to my practice is the exploration of the concept of fragility—both in the environment and in human relationships with it. I metaphorically represent this fragility through the use of delicate and impermanent materials such as cardboard, paper-mâché, egg trays and different shades of natural clay. These materials, sourced from everyday waste, are reimagined into artistic forms that symbolize the precarious balance of Ladakh's ecological systems. Cardboard, traditionally used for roof insulation in Ladakhi homes, becomes a metaphor for protection and vulnerability, reflecting the duality of shelter and exposure to change. Paper-mâché, crafted from old notebooks, books, and discarded cardboard, is central to my process. The pulp, created by soaking and manually refining the materials, is combined with tamarind seed glue and local clay to create a malleable medium. This blend of recycled and natural materials mirrors the traditional methods of Ladakhi architecture, where sustainability and adaptability were key to survival in an unforgiving environment. The different hues of clay add depth to the metaphor, representing the diverse textures of Ladakh's landscapes—from its barren mountains to fertile valleys. Through my art, I strive to evoke a sense of environmental consciousness, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life in Ladakh and beyond. My works not only pay homage to the region's sustainable heritage but also serve as a metaphor for the fragility of our ecosystems and the importance of preserving them in the face of growing environmental challenges. Echoes of the Sa-2 (soil)Sa means soil in ladakhi. This title reflects the harmony between the materials—cardboard, paper-mâché, and clay—and the architectural patterns, symbolizing a dialogue between human-made structures and the natural world. It evokes the feeling of ancient voices and forms resurfacing, etched into the earth’s fragile yet resilient surface. My Native land This title emphasizes the architectural patterns and forms within the work, symbolizing the delicate yet resilient structures of Ladakh. The use of cardboard, paper-mâché, and clay highlights the fragility of these dwellings, metaphorically connecting them to the vulnerability of the region’s ecology and cultural heritage.