On the occasion of United Nations Day on October 24, the organisation has chosen the unique canvas of artist Naresh Kapuria to highlight the impact of climate change and global warming in India.Kapuria has created an innovative Sound and Light Show called Badalta Mausam to bring to life the experience of climate change. This is also the first time the commemoration of the UN day is being extended to the public, in order to raise awareness on the issue.Through the use of an audio-visual medium involving installations, sculptures, laser technology, and a background score, the show will seek to engage viewers not just as ordinary spectators but also as active participants in the process of climate change. “As an artist, I want to show that we are also responsible for this climate change,” he said.“The show will focus on those worst hit by climate change and the displacement it brings about in already vulnerable groups like farmers, fishermen and small scale crop producers etc,” Shalini Dewan, director, United Nations Information Centre, said. Kapuria has decided to utilise innovative symbols for signifying the implications of climate change for the public. Thus, tea kettles enveloped in fog symbolise severe winters and the depiction of a boat drowning in water indicates the effects of climate change on fishermen. The metaphor used for winter is the glowing kangri, earthenware pots used by Kashmiris to keep themselves warm during winters.Known for his innovative and creative installations, Kapuria has won the Eighth International Triennial Award, India and the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, the equivalent of knighthood in France.Talking about the medium that has fascinated him since childhood, he points out that installations as an art form have been used in setting up Diwali melas and Durga Puja pandals. “The use of this medium allows the message of the impact of climate change to be understood by people more easily and as being more relevant to their lives,” he said.He said the show is especially meant to attract children. It will convey the implications of climate change to them in an appealing manner. The show will have duration of twenty minutes, and will be held continuously from 7 pm onwards on Saturday, October 25, at the United Nations lawns, 55, Lodi Estate. Passes for entry are available at the desk.
