The Water Hunters
Water, most precious and most threatened element on earth is the theme of the series ‘The Water Hunters’, created in 2020.
These artworks are composed of epoxy resin cascading down a wide-meshed jute net. The net itself is the key element—the conceptual core of the pieces. A net is traditionally a tool for capturing, catching, or hunting something. In this context, the target is water. This premise, however, is inherently paradoxical: water, by its very nature, cannot be hunted or captured—it flows freely, slipping through our hands.
This absurdity is intentional, serving to highlight a profound critique of the human mindset—the relentless, unrestrained drive to possess. When we attempt to privatize a natural resource as fundamental as water, transforming it into a “liquid asset,” we infringe upon the natural right of all people to access water. This act disproportionately affects poorer populations, restricting their access to clean water and exacerbating social inequalities.
In the face of climate change, such a scenario becomes even more precarious. A water emergency, fueled by greed and mismanagement, can quickly escalate into conflict—perhaps even war. This artwork serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in commodifying resources that are essential to life and should remain universally accessible. It is both a critique and a call to action to preserve what is sacred and necessary for our shared future.
But the net in this artwork holds a dual symbolism. On one hand, it represents the act of hunting or capturing, as previously mentioned, on the other, it signifies entrapment—a web in which we can become ensnared. This aspect reflects how we, as individuals and as a society, are often confined within the limited frameworks of our own perspectives. We are metaphorically trapped within the small squares of the net, struggling to step out of our comfort zones and adopt a broader, more holistic view of the challenges we face.
