PU on FRP

42x38x25"ht

2014

The sculptures Hybrids 1, 2 & 3 reflect the process of hybridization in plants which is a progressive step, whereas in urban development terms it has been regressive. The sculpture moves from its natural colours to slowly bleaching out all its colours completely. The growth of the termite tubes on its body, with building clusters at locations where growth is critical, simulates the way pests attack plants.

This sculpture reflects the process of hybridization in plants. Human's have cross pollinated plants to either increase their size, nutritional values or colour for artistic appeal for centuries, once the science of cross breeding was understood. Usually this is seen as a progressive step but in modern times we are seeing plants having their reproductive cycle interrupted by biotechnology for commercial gain and plants having to adapt to increasing environmental stress due to climate change and heavy urbanisation destroying their natural habitats.  Hybrids 3, the last in a series of parrot tulip sculptures, is inspired by the Dutch "Tulip Mania" of the 16th Century. The exotic over breeding of the Dutch commercial tulip business commanded staggering prices before the first recorded economic "bubble" collapsed. In the final sculpture in the series we see the effect of commercial exploitation, economic recessions and global warming having a regressive impact. The sculpture is bleached of it's natural colours. While white is predominantly associated with tranquility and peace, here in India it is also associated with death. The final tulip has been bleached and etiolated, it's form petrified into a terrible beauty signifying loss and environmental collapse due to human greed.