Teja Gavankar is an artist known for transforming everyday experiences into something thought-provoking. Her latest work, Khora, greets travelers at the T2 terminal of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Made of brick, cement, and other building materials, this three-foot sculpture explores the philosophical ideas of Plato, who described Khora as a space that exists between presence and absence.
Gavankar describes it as being “neither existence nor non-existence,” a state of transition that mirrors the emotions of passengers in an airport. “The journey is transitory and fluid, just like the sculpture,” she explains. This idea resonates deeply with travelers, who carry their own memories and look forward to new experiences.
The artwork is designed as two equal hemispheres that are almost a complete sphere but not quite. “It’s frozen in the process… it is becoming a sphere,” she says. This symbolism of movement connects to the fluid nature of travel and change. Gavankar’s background in Mumbai inspired her fascination with space and transformation. Growing up, she often rearranged her room, finding a sense of freedom in changing her surroundings.
Recent studies indicate that art can significantly impact mental well-being. A survey by Artfinder found that over 70% of people feel happier and more relaxed after experiencing art. This underscores Gavankar’s belief in art’s power to evoke wonder and reflection.
Gavankar has exhibited her work at the India Art Fair and is represented by Sakshi Gallery in Mumbai. She blends materials with narratives from her environment, questioning how we relate to the spaces around us. “If you miss it, you miss it,” she says of her art, emphasizing the fleeting moments of awe we often overlook.
Her creative process combines playful and inventive elements, incorporating materials like teakwood and brass. This approach evokes surprise and curiosity, making viewers reconsider their surroundings. Teja Gavankar’s work is more than just visual; it invites us to explore and appreciate the world in new ways.
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Source linkart, spaces and structures, Teja Gavankar, media installations
