In my recent body of work, I delve into the ever-evolving notion of “home” from a variety of perspectives—personal, cultural, and social. Cement, the primary material I use, is symbolic of architecture, the very foundation of a home. Through its texture and form, I explore the idea of home as a structure, not just as a place of physical shelter but as a repository of individual and collective histories. Cement, with its solid yet malleable qualities, represents both the enduring and impermanent aspects of human habitation.
My works lean heavily towards abstraction, where the familiar and the abstract merge. Alongside cement, I incorporate newspaper—a material that holds the pulse of contemporary society. To me, the newspaper is more than just paper; it is a daily ritual, entering homes each morning, a messenger of the outside world. It is a constant, reliable presence that reflects the shifting tides of social, political, and cultural landscapes, much like the home itself, which is constantly shaped by external and internal forces.
Being based in the coastal city of Odisha, the sea profoundly influences my work. The natural elements, such as sea shells and the abstract visual of sea foam, not only serve as aesthetic elements but also carry deeper philosophical meanings. The sea, in its rhythmic ebb and flow, teaches us lessons of resilience, acceptance, and the perpetual cycle of change—values that resonate deeply with the idea of home and human existence.
In my earlier works, my focus was predominantly on the interiors of the home—depicting the way human life and relationships unfold within the walls of an architectural structure. However, in the post-pandemic era, I have turned my gaze toward the natural world—clouds, sky, water, and the vastness of the sea—seeking to understand the relationship between humans and the sublime. This shift reflects a broader reflection on our place within the universe, the quietude of nature, and the vastness that contrasts yet complements the intimacy of home.
In this series, I aim to create a dramatic visual narrative that moves beyond the confines of the home to explore the infinite possibilities of human existence and the deep connection between the natural world and the spaces we call home.