A multi-media installation at IIC is a walk-through of poetry

A multi-media installation by Auroville-based Pierre Legrand is a walk-through of poetry, light and words in space.

Pierre Legrand’s stencilled design in each square represents a letter of the English alphabet.

Just off the manicured lawns of the India International Centre (IIC), fringed by rose bushes and bonsai, now stands a series of white panels arranged like walls without a ceiling. Each white sheet bears rows of squares cut into unfamiliar designs. The piece, created by Auroville-based Frenchman Pierre Legrand, is titled Emergence and uses “text from the Light Matter by Anuradha Majumdar to create a definite vibrating environment”. It is a part of IIC Experience, the Delhi club’s annual festival of the arts, and will be on view till Wednesday.

Legrand, 72, says each square with a cut-out design represents a letter of the English alphabet. He points to the top row of a panel and begins to read: “W-A-R-M pollen of the heart dissolves/ The emptiness”. As he explains the work, the shapes morph into letters stylistically cut out of the white sheets, and one becomes aware of music from the jal tarang and santoor filling the background. For Legrand, who moved to India 45 years ago, it is more important that viewers experience the spiritual effect of the words as they walk through the poetry in panels than decipher the letters.

“This writing is a trick I have found. It started when I was in France and had done a project for architects who did not pay me. I was so deeply shocked that I sat immobile for four hours and, after four hours, I began to see shapes in my head. Suddenly there was incredible light and joy; it a very spiritual experience. It would, however, be 15 years before I finalised this style,” he says. The installation is a part of a much bigger work that was exhibited in Auroville in 1999 and 2000. “For two years, I worked only with white. Later, I would move to earth colours and, after that, more vibrant shades but this piece was my entry,” he says.

IIC Experience will be held till October 15. Contact: 24110237

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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