Nav Gunjar: The Facade As A Canvas

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Saturday, March 14, 2009, 11:22

Evocative of the harmonious embodiment that is the Krishna avatar- Vishal K. Dar manifests its beseeched beauty and simplicity in his latest installation at the British Council building. Taking place from the 12th of March until the 14th of March, 09, Vishal once again channels his creative niche in a manner that is both innovative and graciously reminiscent.

The main faÇade of the British Council Library is illuminated with a large scale projection that is synthesized with human presence and interaction. The real time tracking through camera-capture of the visitor creates a parallel projected 'avatar' on the facade (screen mounted in the middle aperture). This 'avatar' (silhouette of the person) involves itself with the presently populated field of animals spirits in plenty (rooster, peacock, snake, bull, lion, tiger, elephant, horse).

Therefore, depending on the speed of movement and stillness, the animal spirits move towards the human 'avatar'. If the human 'avatar' movement is erratic, the spirits run away. When a human 'avatar' has 8 different animals attached to it, it becomes the 'nav-gunjar'.

'Nav Gunjar' is an avatar of Krishna. It's a creature composed of 9 different animals which represents this specter as an inspiration to be in harmony with all living beings. It emphasizes the fact that we are all connected and a form a part of a larger living organism.

When the Pandav brothers went into exile, they were dispirited and concerned about their fate. To help rid them of their worries, Krishna showed them this specter as an inspiration to be optimistic. It is a combination of nine different parts, each one known for a quality such as beauty, grace and power. Krishna explained that we are a culmination of all of these virtues and hence powerful enough to face any obstacles in life.