Fluid Desires - IV by Gaurang Naik

An original artwork by Gaurang Naik.

In this series of work, I explored the ever-evolving relationship between convenience and the struggle for clean water by incorporating the traditional domestic object, the Gurguret (water dispenser). This culturally significant artifact, meticulously crafted by local potters in the form of a rooster, is historically known for its natural water-cooling properties and symbolic significance in Goan heritage. However, my artistic vision transcends its nostalgic origins. Through deliberate manipulation and alteration of the Gurguret’s physical form, I transform it into a metaphorical vessel, charged with encapsulating contemporary water-related issues, a poignant symbol of how our relationship with water has transformed over time, where convenience clashes with the struggle to obtain clean water. The deliberate use of a crackled surface mirrors the very essence of water itself. In its delicate fracturing, I see reflections of our human vulnerability, the divisions we create, and the tension that arises from our complex relationship with water.

This artwork was exhibited at Method Delhi in the group exhibition "Formation & Fracture" a group exhibition featuring alumni from IMMERSE by  Somaiya Vidyavihar University (July 2025).