Rock Garden: Art from Waste
Over 20-acre, 3-phase Rock Garden, a brainchild of a non-tutored artist Nek Chand, epitomizes that industrial and urban waste could be metamorphosed into entertaining and simple art objects. Formal education and professional art material are not the prerequisites to be an artist of international repute. Nek Chand worked secretly on this project for about two decades. And in 1983, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award given to the Indian citizens for their distinguished contribution to different fields, including Arts. A multi-color commemorative stamp of INR 1.00 'View of Garden' was also issued by the Indian Post in the same year. Broken glass sculptures were selected for the stamp. It gained a well-deserved spot in the 10-episode BBC series 'Around the World in 80 Gardens'. In fact, Nek unknowingly discovered a pragmatic solution for the waste management, which is today a big concern of environmentalists and scientists studying global warming.
Abstract, animal and human forms, made from terra cotta pots, shreds, broken glass bangles and porcelain plates, discarded bottles, oil drums, fluorescent tubes, old cycle parts, concrete, stone etc, are neatly arranged in an alfresco art 'gallery' enhanced by vivid elements of the luxuriant woods. Pools and waterfalls keep air moist and refreshing. Sculpture collection includes monkeys, bears, groups of musicians and dancers, women collecting water and other human figures in different postures.
Phase-III of the garden has an open air theater, family-sized swings and circus mirrors for some action and fun. Thick metal chains of tall swings, fastened to a circular structure, hold rectangular spacious wooden seats to accommodate two adults- one seating and other standing. Swings take you up in the air and a bit closer to the blue sky. Without cracking a joke, your lips automatically spread to smile and open to grin at your own distorted reflections- dwarf, fat, extremely tall, skinny, upside down and so forth- in the circus mirrors. Some times you can even enjoy a camel ride and slides for kids.
Narrow, twisty lanes link all parts of the garden, one of the most sought after hangouts in Chandigarh (India) that was featured in the Best of Asia-2009 list of ‘Time’ magazine for its greenery, low-rise buildings in brick, plazas, simplicity, sweeping views of the Shiwalik and tranquility. In chambers, rocky corners and under huge tree canopies of the garden, men and women have their private moments, families gather for snacks and single visitors watch the world go by.
2009
