MIDDAY Speaks to M Pravat on ‘Terraform’: Rethinking Cities, Nature, and Sustainability

1. What inspired you to create ‘Terraform' and explore the intersection between urban environments and the natural world?

‘Terraform' was inspired by my ongoing exploration of how architecture shapes human experience and perception. The exhibition reflects on the tensions between rapid urbanisation and nature, and the impact of large-scale geo-engineering projects on our environment. It is my way of questioning how we, as inhabitants of these built environments, coexist with the natural world.

2. Can you share your creative process and the techniques you used to bring this body of work to life?

I work with a diverse range of materials, including bricks, stone, concrete, pigment, and found objects, to create a layered narrative of urban transformation. My process involves both deconstructing and reconstructing architectural forms, which allows me to blend elements of the natural and urban. Through careful selection and placement of materials, I aim to evoke a sense of an ever-evolving landscape caught in perpetual flux.

3. ‘Terraform' delves into sustainability and biodiversity. How do you hope your art will influence viewers' perspectives on these critical issues?

I hope that ‘Terraform' will serve as a catalyst for reflection on sustainability and our relationship with nature. By presenting urban landscapes in various stages of transformation, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their role in shaping a future that respects ecological balance.

4. Your work often juxtaposes urbanization with nature. How do you strike a balance between these contrasting elements in your art?

Striking a balance comes from acknowledging the interconnectedness of the built and natural environments. My art reflects this dynamic tension by blending rigid architectural forms with organic materials, suggesting both conflict and coexistence. It's about finding harmony within opposing forces.

5. What is your personal relationship with the themes of nature, urbanization, and sustainability? Did any specific experiences shape your approach to this exhibition?

Having grown up in Kolkata and lived in other metropolitan cities, I have witnessed firsthand the rapid transformation of urban landscapes and its impact on the environment. These experiences have deeply influenced my approach, prompting me to address issues of sustainability and biodiversity through my work.

6. What message or reflection do you hope visitors will take away from ‘Terraform'?

I hope visitors will leave with a renewed awareness of the fragile relationship between urban development and the natural world. ‘Terraform' is a call to action, urging us to rethink how we interact with our environment and to prioritize sustainable practices.

7. How has your collaboration with Vida Heydari Contemporary shaped the journey of ‘Terraform,' and what has the experience been like working with a platform that champions such thought-provoking exhibitions?

Working with Vida Heydari Contemporary has been an enriching experience. Their commitment to fostering meaningful conversations through art has provided me with the perfect platform to present ‘Terraform'. The gallery's support has allowed me to push the boundaries of my practice and engage with a broader audience.