Behind the Meeting Place II

A resident of New Delhi's fast growing suburb, Gurgaon, Panda has often addressed issues of migration and urbanization in his work. As the city expands the pressure on the land increases, with each new migrant aspiring to buy the perfect home. Replacing the agricultural fields, these new dwellings, in the form of sky scrapers, town houses and industrial estates, continually alter and refashion the skyline of Gurgaon. Moving to the city from the state of Orissa, Panda addresses his own dislocation and migrant status in the city while dealing with his ever present need to 'belong'.

Panda's paintings and collages often include fabric and motifs taken from his native Orissa. In this painting we see a large 'Shamiana' on the left enclosing and demarcating a space for festivities. The pattern on this material reminds one of the delicate applique work created in the town of Pipli in Orissa. Remnants of the festivities held within this Shamiana litter the mouldy-brown ground in the form of plastic drinking water bottles. To the right, a wire fence of a walled property warns potential thieves and passing bystanders to move swiftly on and take their curiosity elsewhere. In the far distance, a crane works frantically to build the remains of a bridge that will increase accessibility to the newly developed city.