Indo-Bauhaus – “Jalarekha”: Abstraction of Kerala Backwaters

Provenance

This artwork reimagines the serene landscapes of Kerala’s backwaters through the refined visual language of Indo-Bauhaus design. Traditional kettuvallams glide across tranquil waterways surrounded by coconut palms, while elements of Kerala’s vernacular architecture create a harmonious composition where nature, water, and habitation exist in balance.

The backwaters of Kerala have long been intertwined with the region’s cultural and economic heritage. The traditional kettuvallam, once used to transport rice and spices through the waterways, represents an enduring example of sustainable craftsmanship and indigenous engineering. The coconut palm, an inseparable symbol of Kerala’s landscape, reflects abundance, resilience, and the deep relationship between the people and their natural surroundings.

Through the principles of Indo-Bauhaus design, the organic beauty of Kerala’s landscape is transformed into a study of geometric rhythm and balance. Flowing waterways, palm silhouettes, boats, and architectural forms are simplified into structured planes and clean compositions. A palette of sage green, soft blue, warm cream, and terracotta captures the peaceful character of the Malabar coast, creating a contemporary interpretation of one of India’s most distinctive landscapes.