Mapping Stepwells: A Visual Narrative
An Art series on the Stepwells of India
In my recent exploration of Hampi's ruins in Karnataka, India, I encountered captivating stepwells within the fort, known as 'Pushkarani,' a UNESCO heritage site. Intrigued by their architectural brilliance, I embarked on a deeper investigation. Discovering similar structures across India, including sites in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, I realized their significance in India's architectural legacy. Stepwells, essentially wells with descending steps leading to water reservoirs, represent an exceptional blend of functionality and aesthetics. Studying these stepwells, I observed fascinating geometric patterns emerging from their depths, reflecting a harmonious fusion of geometry and nature. These structures, often adorned with intricate carvings, provide insights into the artistic expressions of their eras. Despite variations in design, a consistent architectural blueprint and cross-sectional design prevail across different stepwells. Inspired by their ingenious design, I embarked on an artistic journey to capture their essence. Through a series of paintings, I aim to pay homage to these architectural wonders, incorporating elements like jute fibers to symbolize the organic expansion of fractals found in stepwells.