Rajesh Vora: Everyday Monuments—The Rooftop Sculptures of Punjab

The striking photography and incisive texts of Sculptural Water Tanks: Punjab's Unique Art Form capture and reflect on the fascinating and uniquely Punjabi art form of sculptural water tanks, which emerged in the late 1970s in the villages of Doaba. These works, commissioned individually and decorated with painted cement-and-rebar embellishments, represent a merging of art, architecture, and everyday life that tells a diasporic story. Photographer Rajesh Vora's photos were exhibited at the Surrey Art Gallery in British Columbia, Canada, and the book includes texts by Rahul Mehrotra, Keith Wallace, Sajdeep Soomal, and Satwinder Kaur Bains that explore the origins, travels, and evocations of these works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Figure 1 Publishing

In the late 1970s, a remarkable local art form emerged in the villages of Doaba, a rural region in India's Punjab state. Villagers who had relocated to other places but maintained strong connections to their homeland began constructing elaborate multi-story homes made of brick or marble, adorned with sculptural water tanks, often referred to as "showpieces." Although largely unheard of outside of India, these homes, with their painted cement-and-rebar embellishments, now dominate the landscape in certain areas of the Punjab. These embellishments, which are typically custom-commissioned, take various forms, including planes, animals, soccer balls, and weightlifters. Their primary purpose is to announce and honor the presence of a family or individual in and connection to the region. When combined with the intricately decorated houses on which they sit, these works represent a unique fusion of art, architecture, and everyday life that transcends conventional design norms to tell a diasporic story in a form that is distinctly Punjabi.

Mumbai-based photographer Rajesh Vora embarked on a journey to capture the essence of these sculptural water tanks in 150 villages across several years. In 2022, his photographs were showcased at the Surrey Art Gallery in British Columbia, Canada, a prominent hub for the Punjabi diaspora. In addition to over 140 of Vora's photographs, this volume features texts by Rahul Mehrotra, who delves into the hybrid and evolving conceptions of home that these vernacular forms express. Vora and Keith Wallace, the exhibition curator, discuss the origins of the works and their travels in the region. Sajdeep Soomal, meanwhile, locates the sculptures within a trajectory that flows from the region's agricultural past to its dreams of technological modernity.

The art of sculptural water tanks in Punjab has a rich history and cultural significance. It reflects the region's deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the desire to showcase the wealth and prosperity of its communities. These tanks, which are often adorned with intricate designs and motifs, serve as a symbol of pride and identity for the people who live in the region. They also play a functional role, providing water storage and irrigation to the local farmers.

Over the years, the art of sculptural water tanks has evolved and diversified. Today, it includes a wide range of styles and themes, from traditional motifs inspired by nature and religion to more contemporary designs that reflect the changing times. The use of cement and rebar as the primary materials has allowed for the creation of larger and more intricate designs, making these tanks a visual spectacle.

Despite their popularity and cultural significance, sculptural water tanks face challenges. Many of these works are in need of maintenance and preservation due to the effects of weather and pollution. Efforts are being made by local communities, government agencies, and art enthusiasts to preserve and promote this unique art form.

In conclusion, the art of sculptural water tanks in Punjab is a fascinating and unique form of local art that combines art, architecture, and everyday life. It represents the region's rich cultural heritage and the aspirations of its people. Through the photographs and texts presented in this volume, we gain a deeper understanding of this art form and its significance in the Punjabi diaspora. It is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the power of art to connect people across cultures and generations.

Weight: 1108g
Dimension: 205 x 288 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773272016