Raabta

Kashish Gupta 
Master of Architecture | University of Sydney 

“Like soft clay, a child’s mind takes shape through memories and love—our bodies mere vessels, etched with experience, infused with heritage, and bound by the elements.” 

MATERIALS: CLAY

Artist Statement

Home to me is an essence of warmth and comfort—a sanctuary where feelings, time, space, and memories intertwine. It consists of both tangible and intangible items, an intricate blend of experiences, relationships, and moments that define who I am. It is these notions which I tried to delicately transfer to my living belonging by using clay as a material and making it in the form of a vessel – a vessel of love, wisdom, sorrows and laughter.

The surface of the vessel has an undulating texture to resonate the deep impact of certain events, memories, and experiences have on one’s heart and mind, leaving lasting impressions that shape the course of life. It captures the emotional context of these moments, emphasizing their significance in the fabric of personal growth. This undulating texture is stained with vibrant spices symbolizing India’s rich legacy and heritage in global spice trade (Country Significance). The infusion of color and aroma invokes the viewers to get a peek into not just mine or every Indians childhood, but also into India’s historical and economic significance. Further, the vessel contains five fragile forms – each depicting the five celestial threads that make up the ultimate ephemeral form i.e. “the body”. These five celestial threads (Pancha Mahabhuta) as described in the Hindu mythology are - Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether/Space (Akasha). 

Synopsis

My grandmother often spoke about the fragility of a child’s mind, saying “bache mitti ke putle hote hain”, translating into that a child’s mind is like soft clay, porous and malleable, capable of being influenced by the atmosphere around it and shaping accordingly. She further compared our bodies to vessels and how we all are just piles of memories, connections, events, feelings and senses - and that is all what makes us unique and special. My family, always a fortress of love and protection, shaped the contours of my world with a warmth that encased me, as I grew up surrounded by the echo of my aunts’ voices, the gentle teasing of cousins, and the wise counsel of uncles. 

It is these notions which I tried to delicately transfer to my living belonging by using clay as a material and making it in the form of a vessel – a vessel of love, wisdom, sorrows and laughter. The surface of the vessel has an undulating texture to resonate the deep impact of certain events, memories, and experiences have on one’s heart and mind, leaving lasting impressions that shape the course of life. It captures the emotional context of these moments, emphasizing their significance in the fabric of personal growth. This undulating texture is stained with vibrant spices - like turmeric, coriander powder, chili, tea leaves - symbolizing India’s rich legacy and heritage in global spice trade (Country Significance). The infusion of color and aroma invokes the viewers to get a peek into not just mine or every Indians childhood, but also into India’s historical and economic significance.  

Further, the vessel contains five fragile forms – each depicting the five celestial threads that make up the ultimate ephemeral form i.e. “the body”. These five celestial threads (Pancha Mahabhuta) as described in the Hindu mythology are - Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether/Space (Akasha).