Roots and Horizons

A handmade art installation that showcases 16 iconic symbols of the Indian state of Kerala, celebrating the unique cultural heritage, natural diversity as well as architectural and technological marvels. Literacy, one of the key attributes of the state, drives the evolution of the state from its cultural roots to a future defined by innovation. The bird, hornbill, is positioned as looking towards a horizon of possibilities.

Concept: Johnson Philip, Justin Jacob, Emie Roy and Gee Kollannur

Details of the art installation (from Left to Right)

1. Jackfruit tree and its fruits: World's largest tree-borne fruit native to South India, the cultivation of which dates back to over 3,000 years. 

2. ‘Tharavadu’, a traditional building built to house large joint families, reflecting Kerala’s time-honoured architecture.

3. Elephant - Animal of significant ecological and cultural significance. A keystone species that directly sustains the rich biodiversity of Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. ‘Pookkalam’ - Traditional floral carpet made using fresh, colorful flower petals

5. Kathakali dancer: A performer of the classical dance-drama ‘Kathakali’, that originated in Kerala, in the 17th century. 

6. Coconut tree: Kerala gets its name from "Kera" (coconut tree)

7. Spices: Home to a variety of spices, Kerala’s spice trade with the world dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. 

8. Water: 44 rivers criss-cross this coastal state with a land area of 38,000 sq km, whose entire western side is bordered by Arabian Sea. 

9. Chinese fishing net: Cantilevered fishing nets brought to Cochin in the 1400s, this is the symbol of the commercial capital of the state, Kochi.

10. Houseboat: An age-old method of transporting goods including rice and spices now rebranded to the popular backwater cruise boats.  

11. Alphabet: What stands the state apart is its high literacy which helps create a high social progress index. The language has 56 letters divided into 15 vowels and 41 consonants. 

12. Hornbill: State bird of Kerala

13. Kochi Metro: Elevated rapid transit system that spans 28 kilometers with 25 operational stations and a smart card ticketing system.

14. Water Metro: A hybrid-electric ferry system (integrated with Kochi metro) with 78 boats on the backwaters covering 76 route kilometers.

15. IT Park: Kerala’s Premier IT Ecosystem with world-class IT infrastructure 

16. Ambulance: Reflects Kerala’s efficient health sector, renowned for achieving high human development indices—such as low infant mortality and high life expectancy