Varuna Vessel
ST+ART India Foundation
Sassoon Docks, Mumbai, India, November 2017
PHOTOS BY PRANAV GOHIL, AKSHAT NAURIYAL, ROHAN BHATIA
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CONCEPT
A piece celebrating the lives and culture of Sassoon Dock’s hardworking fisherfolk by weaving the past and present together; South Asian folklore/mythology and the local fishing culture of present-day Mumbai.
Stories of miracles, unpredictability, determination and chance at sea and perhaps even a sense of someone above watching over them; are represented in this immersive installation of Lord Varuna and his loyal vessel Makaba, helping fishermen back to shore safely.
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VIDEO
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INSTALLATION VIEW
A large Varuna (King of the sea) and his loyal vessel (Makara) stand in the middle of the room. The foundation of the piece built from a fisherman’s gift to us; A retired fishing boat.
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SCULPTURE DETAILS
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A mechanical fish crank activates to move Varuna’s head.
Working in a palate of white, gold and black, the shimmering gold gives an added importance to the statue making it look like the true king of the sea.
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MURALS
A local fish and indian tiger fighting, inspired from a fisherman’s fable.
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Two Koli tribe women on a merlion creature. Culturally, Koli women are strong, independant and brave. ![]()
A verse taken from a traditional Koli song translates to “As the golden sun sets, the sea turns magenta” reflects the beautiful light in the room and the window outside that overlooks the sea.
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SKETCHES
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