What does artwork in Indian public spaces convey about our civic priorities, our mythologies, our heroes, and our gender biases? Nirali Lal analyses the cultural intention of works like the “Santhal Family,” the Statue of Unity, figures of Puneeth Rajkumar, and more.

Art and poetry by Nirali Lal: ‘Never is it smooth sailing, events are never perfect / Cobblestone pave a pattern / A maze to unravel’

Art and poetry by Nirali Lal: ‘A rickety ride / That’s a guarantee / it will think and recite. / It’s automatic / If you comply’

Art and poetry by Nirali Lal: ‘A vortex of sorts / Into fragrant playful striped balls / Bouncing upbeat, / Just for the self, a favour’,

In his work, Rahul Chauhan interrogates the democratic, new-age space aura of technology to develop a coronation of colour, a palpable palette with a touch on the canvas, a wonder and other-worldliness. By Nirali Lal