We left India in June, but I feel like I should still blog one last time about our life there. The boys and I spent so much time at the school, AES, I'd like to share some of the special places on campus.
Every day, this guy welcomed us to school.
The Library building was beautiful
One of my favorite sculptures on campus.
The High School building...
...with its inspirational message.
A couple of Hindu gods watching over us.
The rest of the statues are the work of Nek Chand, a contemporary Indian artist who did an artist in residency with AES in 2002.
This is the information the AES Indian Studies department shares about Nek Chand. I never visited Chandigarh, or his Rock Garden, so I can't speak to how remarkable it is, but I did really enjoy the whimsical quality of the work on our campus.
Artifacts around AES from Artist – Nek Chand
About Nekchand: One day 36 years ago, Nek Chand, a humble transport official in the north Indian city of Chandigarh, began to clear a little patch of jungle to make himself a small garden area. He set stones around the little clearing and before long had sculpted a few figures ecycled from materials he found at hand. Gradually Nek Chand’s creation developed and grew; before long it covered several acres and comprised of hundreds of sculptures set in a series of interlinking courtyards.
After his normal working day Chand worked at night, in total secrecy for fear of being discovered by the authorities.When they did discover Chand’s garden, local government officials were thrown into turmoil. The creation was completely illegal – a development in a forbidden area which by rights should be demolished. The outcome, however, was the enlightened decision to give Nek Chand a salary so that he could concentrate full-time on his work, plus a workforce of fifty labourers. Nek Chand’s great work received immediate recognition and was inaugurated as The Rock Garden of Chandigarh.
Now over twenty five acres of several thousand sculptures set in large mosaic courtyards linked by walled paths and deep gorges, Nek Chand’s creation also combines huge buildings with a series of interlinking waterfalls. The Rock Garden is now acknowledged as one of the modern wonders of the world. Over 5000 visitors each day, some 12 million people so far, walk around this vast creation – the greatest artistic achievement seen in India since the Taj Mahal.
This guy looks like he is working on the bushes...
...and this one looks like the bushes got out of hand!
Conor, Ryan and Scout at the airport leaving India. It was a great three years, and we are now off on our next adventure!
Goodbye India!
No comments:
Post a Comment