Harbinger, 2022
Digging bucket, plant soil and barley seedlings
458 X 450mm

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Harbinger is a performative installation questioning the rapid pace of urbanisation in Nepal and exploring themes of construction and demolition. The work interrogates  our relationship to the land and in response to the rising demands of connectivity and transportation as a result of globalisation. 

 

The inspiration behind this work is the culmination of the two distinctive social events in Nepal: the destruction and redevelopment of land, symbolised by the digger; and the non-violent protest act of planting rice seedlings on neglected roads. The planting of seedlings symbolises new beginnings. In this way, the work represents two contrasting conceptions of change.

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For this installation, I was inspired by  the symbolic protest of rice planting. I have replaced  rice seedlings  with  the practice of Jamra making. Jamara is the grass that emerges after barley seeds germinate. The process of Jamara growing is achieved by planting barley seeds in soil and left in a dark space for a week to grow yellow sprouts, which are cut and presented as a symbol of good fortune during the biggest Hindu religious festival, Dashain. 

 

I intend to commence with a performance involving the ritual handing out the grass.Once fully harvested, I intend the plants to be watered and  regrown in natural light,  outgrowing the containing structure of the digging bucket. The installation is deactivated once the seedlings erode and they will be disposed of with just the digging bucket left to be exhibited.