Memories from the ground up

Alex Davis uses soil from far-flung parts of India to create terrains that reflect both geography and memory. Take a close look

- DEEPAK KUMAR

Alex Davis is as adept at sculpture as he is at industrial design. And much of his work, regardless of the medium, pays homage to India's diverse topography. His work mirrors my own fascination with nature, memory, and identity.

Davis was born in Kerala, and has studied at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and the Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. But his unique approach of incorporating elements such as soil from various corners of India is similar to my interests in capturing the essence of a place - its history, texture, and soul. The way he transforms earthly materials into abstract shapes is powerful. It invites the viewer to experience the land not just visually, but emotionally.

Those who aren't familiar with this work might want to start with one, titled Ochumber Slopes 8, which is part of the Maps of Layered Stratum series.