Surrey Art Gallery's Rajesh Vora: Everyday Monuments features photographs of rooftop sculptures in Punjab, April 9 to May 29
First display of Mumbai-based artist in Canada celebrates colourful works distinct to the northwestern Indian state’s villages
Post Sponsored by Surrey Art Gallery
Rajesh Vora, from the series Everyday Monuments, 2014–19, inkjet print, dimensions variable. Photos courtesy of artist and PHOTOINK, New Delhi.
Mumbai-based photographer Rajesh Vora is about to see his photographs of a distinct Punjab tradition displayed in Canada for the first time.
Surrey Art Gallery has announced it will host Rajesh Vora: Everyday Monuments, guest curated by Keith Wallace, from April 9 to May 29. In the works, Vora documents domestic sculptures mounted on rooftops in the northwestern Indian state, each telling a story of identity, diaspora, family, and culture.
Made from rebar, wire mesh, cement, and paint, many of these intriguing objects serve as functional water tanks. Gaining popularity in the 1980s, the sculptures are made by local artists who precast them from a mould that often take the form of airplanes, falcons, birds, footballs, and more. Visitors will be able to get a look at 100 different sculptures through Vora’s photographs.
While Greater Vancouver has a Punjabi population established more than a century ago, it was during the latter half of the 20th century that an increasing number of Punjabi villagers migrated to other parts of the world. Canada was one of their chosen destinations. Many return to India for seasonal visits, keeping close ties with families remaining in the villages and helping to finance the making of these houses. The houses themselves are an intricate mix of various styles, genres, and historical periods. Several stories high, they signal a shift from the traditional one-story courtyard-style house. Together, the unique houses with their rooftop embellishments break with conventional design boundaries. They show how art, architecture, and everyday life meld together. Vora’s photographs are an important record of this cultural expression of the Punjab that is all but unknown beyond India.
An opening reception will take place on April 9 at Surrey Art Gallery, beginning with Rajesh Vora’s artist talk at 6:30 pm, moderated by guest curator Wallace, and followed by a reception at 7:30 pm with music by Aanam from Tala Collective.
Find more information here.
Post sponsored by Surrey Art Gallery.
Rajesh Vora, from the series Everyday Monuments, 2014–19, inkjet print, dimensions variable. Photos courtesy of artist and PHOTOINK, New Delhi.