Aluminium can be called the favourite metal of architects and designers. Due to its unique attributes, the silvery white metal can be found in almost all sectors. Indian artist Subodh Gupta was invited to the 8th edition of Contemporary Art, organised at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, a department store in Paris, France.
In his exhibition Sangam, the artist combined 13 gigantic constructions built using everyday materials like aluminium and steel, whose brilliance had long captivated him. Sangam alludes to the meeting of three Indian rivers (the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati). The Sangam exhibition pays homage to French culture and savoir-faire by emphasising the virtues of intercultural conversation and sharing.
"Utensils are simple objects. However, together they speak, in my head, of the complicated textures, hues, lines and shadows of life, as seen in the palms of our hands", said Subodh Gupta.
Under the glass roofs, there are two imposing installations. Sangam II is a massive bucket made from bright aluminium cooking equipment, whereas Sangam I is a classic Indian pot. The "Proust Effect," a hanging hut with a "making of" movie projected at the exit, is part of the exhibition area on the second level and entices visitors to continue exploring the space with a deeper understanding.
Throughout the shop, the display is spread across significant areas. 10 window displays on the street de Sèvres feature installations. A set of ten "Stitching the Code" pieces, which recall French culture and the artist's penchant for stealing commonplace items, consists of old furniture and objects connected by cords.
"Sangam is a cascade of mirror facets and sculptures made of domestic objects. It is an installation that questions the audience on their pilgrimage in a society focused on consumption," added Subodh Gupta.
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