I WAS NOT WAVING BUT DROWNING-I, 2005

Installation composed by 16 archival pigment prints 45x30cm each

Most of the works of Indian artist Atul Bhalla like the piece exhibited on this occasion I was not waving but drowning-I revolve around the symbolism of water, a natural element charged with historical, religious, political and philosophical meanings in Indian culture. Bhalla emphasizes the abrupt environmental changes India has undergone during the last years. The intense process of industrialization and the increase of population have been the major causes of pollution, especially along the banks of the highly symbolic Yamuna River. In the piece I was not waving but drowning the artist, who is also the protagonist of the work, immerses himself into the Yamuna River and then slowly re-emerges from its waters. Through this gesture resembling the purification bath typical of Indian culture the artist hints that the traditional rite of ablution performed along the banks of sacred rivers is being menaced by the issue of environmental pollution which is making India’s rivers more and more dangerous.

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