Architect Vidur Bharadwaj, a proponent of sustainable development in Delhi NCR, held his first solo art exhibition recently at the India Habitat Centre.
Titled “Soul In Structure” the show had 15 mixed media works in which Bharadwaj juxtaposed the design ethos of historical architecture, found in Fatehpur Sikri, Ghats of Benaras and Rajasthani havelis, with the aesthetics of modern art to focus on the concept of sustainability in both architecture and environment. “For me, to combine these two concepts is a very natural process of design. This is and should be the future of design. If we do not construct projects keeping in mind sustainability, there will not be any future,” explains the artist.
Bharadwaj reveals being inspired by Indian architects of past since childhood.
“As a child, I was always fascinated by monuments and designs in Delhi and by the fact that these monuments are still standing in all their glory and around them, there is just so much greenery, birds and cattle. When I was studying architecture I forgot about this fascination and later I wasn’t happy with my work. But then, I decided to go to back to history and that shaped my presented thinking about sustainable development. I understood the importance of using sun’s energy and building structures according to how they react to that energy.”
Seized about increasing carbon emissions, Bharadwaj makes a pertinent point. “The amount of carbon that has been emitted in the last century is greater than the carbon footprint of the million years of human existence. We are in a very dangerous and risky place already. In order to protect our Earth for the children of our future, we need to adopt sustainability. This is the only way.”
In fact, the imagery of sun and a child are visible in almost every work of the artist. “Sun is the source of all energy and a child represents the future, for whom we have to save this planet,” explains Bharadwaj.
Terming the displayed art works as portraying 15 years of his architecture, the artist says, “The process I have used is to combine photographs of my building projects with the elements that inspire me as an architect, be it nature, monuments or moments.”
When asked about his passion for painting and the purpose for displaying his works, he says, “I think it is very important to spread the message of sustainable development. And in today’s world, people like to come, observe and enjoy art. Art is an easy way to understand the larger picture and the underlying message. These paintings, this art exhibition is just a part of that message. I am very glad that people have appreciated this and are starting to understand and adopt sustainability.”
