In an extraordinary fusion of art and element, Pune's Gallery White in Kalyani Nagar has become the temporary home to water's soul. Artist Shweta Bhattad's exhibition, "Jal, Jeevan, Jatra" (Water, Life, Journey), is not just another art show—it's a multisensory experience that invites visitors to connect with water on a profoundly personal level.
Beyond Visual Art: An Immersive Experience
Bhattad's approach transcends traditional art forms. The exhibition features an innovative "water library" where visitors can sample water from various sources across India. Each bottle contains water with distinct characteristics—from the mineral-rich waters of Himalayan springs to the softer textures of southern rivers.
"When people drink different waters, they experience the land itself," explains Bhattad. "It creates an immediate, physical connection to places they may never visit."
The Making of Water Memory
The centerpiece of the exhibition showcases Bhattad's unique artistic process. For three years, she traveled to numerous water bodies, submerging fabric in the waters and allowing natural minerals and elements to create organic patterns. These "water memories" now hang as beautiful, naturally-created artworks.
"Each piece tells a story of its origin," Bhattad reveals. "The fabric absorbs not just water, but the essence of the place—the soil, the minerals, the life around it."
A Call to Environmental Consciousness
Beyond aesthetic appeal, the exhibition carries a powerful environmental message. Through interactive installations and educational components, Bhattad highlights the growing water crisis and the sacred relationship between humans and water in Indian culture.
"In our tradition, water is life—it's divine," she notes. "My work aims to remind people of this sacred connection and the urgent need to protect our water sources."
Visitor Reactions: A Transformative Journey
Early visitors describe the exhibition as transformative. The combination of visual art, tactile experiences, and the act of tasting different waters creates a holistic encounter that lingers long after leaving the gallery.
One visitor commented, "I never thought water could have such distinct personalities. Tasting water from different regions felt like traveling across India without moving from Pune."
The exhibition continues at Gallery White through the month, offering Pune's art enthusiasts and environmental advocates a unique opportunity to experience one of life's most essential elements through an entirely new lens.
