Bombay Rising navigates the rich and complex history of the poppy, a flower that symbolizes movement and transformation. The narrative surrounding the poppy is one of constant travel – its form and location shifting as it traverses cultures and epochs. From gardens to medicine cabinets, and then headlong into the realms of illicit trade, the poppy's journey reflects the dynamics of human civilization itself.

This artwork poignantly connects the poppy's historical significance to Bombay's emergence as a global metropolis in the nineteenth century. The opium trade, a critical artery linking western India to the international capitalist economy, played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s identity. As Bombay merchants capitalized on the opium gold rush, the very fabric of the city was woven with the fortunes gained from this controversial trade. Exploration reveals the duality of the poppy – both a creator of wealth and a harbinger of destruction – echoing the paradoxes inherent in urban growth and economic expansion.

Constructed from an eclectic mix of materials – from stainless steel scrap from a metal mesh factory to sewing machine bobbins, glass baubles and copper wires salvaged from burnt machinery – Bombay Rising embodies the very essence of transformation. Each element tells a story of its own, evoking the industrial past and the discarded remnants of a bustling city. The assemblage of these found objects not only emphasizes the artist’s commitment to materiality but also mirrors the transitory nature of the poppy itself.

In this work, the poppy emerges as a non-human protagonist, quietly influencing human history, while often going unnoticed. Its presence serves as a reminder of the unseen forces that shape our world, urging viewers to reflect on the complexities of progress and the legacy of trade. Bombay Rising is a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of nature and culture, inviting us to consider the histories that bloom beneath the surface of our urban landscapes.