Dhavinder Singh

Formal (and) Scapes
Project Room 2012

MO: Formal(and)scapes is a series of five site-specific installations that reimagine the landscape genre through a contemporary lens. I wanted to move away from the static nature of traditional landscape paintings, so I used organic materials like turmeric, saffron, and sand to create dynamic, evolving environments that focus on process and interaction. Each installation features custom acrylic cases, wooden shelves, and pulley systems that release the materials, allowing them to form spontaneous, unplanned patterns. I wanted to let the materials dictate the final form, which contrasts with the deliberate composition found in traditional landscapes. The vibrant pigments reveal the raw essence of the land, presenting landscapes as fluid and ever-changing rather than fixed. I’ve arranged the works to integrate with the gallery space, encouraging viewers to move through them and engage from multiple perspectives. This reflects the complexity of experiencing landscapes in real life. By combining natural materials with precise craftsmanship, I explore the balance between human order and nature’s unpredictable forces, offering a contemporary take on landscape art that reflects on the fragility of nature in an increasingly urbanised world.

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