Terraform - A Conversation with M Pravat on Art, Urbanism, and the Natural World

LuxuryAbode sits down with renowned artist M. Pravat to discuss his solo exhibition, ‘Terraform,’ presented by Vida Heydari Contemporary at STIR Gallery, Delhi. The exhibition, which explored the intricate tension between urbanization and the natural environment, left audiences reflecting on sustainability, biodiversity, and the fragile balance of our planet.

Reimagining the Urban-Natural Balance

LuxuryAbode: ‘Terraform’ highlights the tension between urban spaces and nature. What led you to examine this dynamic in your latest exhibition?

M. Pravat: Terraform draws inspiration from my ongoing fascination with architecture’s influence on human perception and experience. This exhibition interrogates the rapid expansion of cities and the lasting impact of large-scale geo-engineering projects on natural ecosystems. My work questions how we, as inhabitants of built environments, navigate our coexistence with the organic world.

Materials, Methods, and the Creative Process

M. Pravat: My process involves working with materials like bricks, stone, concrete, pigment, and found objects, using them to construct a layered narrative of urban transformation. I deconstruct and reassemble architectural forms, blending elements of the built and natural worlds. Through careful selection and arrangement, I strive to capture a landscape in constant flux—one that is both deconstructing and regenerating at the same time.

Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Awareness

M. Pravat: Terraform leveraged both striking visuals and immersive storytelling to highlight the fragile equilibrium of ecosystems and the pressing need for conservation. The exhibition tackled critical themes such as climate change and ecological restoration, prompting audiences to rethink their relationship with nature.

Visitors left deeply moved, often expressing a newfound commitment to eco-conscious practices. Interactive discussions, expert panels, and collaborations with environmental organizations extended Terraform’s impact beyond the gallery, translating art into actionable awareness and inspiring real-world change.

A Call to Action: What Visitors Took Away from 'Terraform'

M. Pravat: I hope Terraform instills a heightened awareness of the delicate intersection between urban development and nature. The exhibition serves as an urgent call to action—one that invites us to reassess our environmental footprint and embrace sustainable living.

The Role of Vida Heydari Contemporary in Bringing ‘Terraform’ to Life

LuxuryAbode: Vida Heydari Contemporary is known for its transformative exhibitions. How has their support contributed to 'Terraform,' and what has your creative journey with them been like?

M. Pravat: Working with Vida Heydari Contemporary has been an enriching experience. Their commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue through art provided the perfect platform for Terraform. Their support has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of my artistic exploration and in broadening the reach of my work to a wider audience.