Echoes of Earth, India’s Greenest Music Festival, seamlessly merges sustainability with creativity, showcasing how art can inspire ecological change. This year, in collaboration with Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic, the festival unveiled two installations that redefine the relationship between nature and design.
Devendra Jani, affectionately known as "Mr. Bee of India," takes center stage with his pollinator sanctuary, a heartfelt tribute to nature's vital workers—bees. Crafted from repurposed materials like corks and reclaimed wood, his installation highlights the critical role pollinators play in maintaining biodiversity and supporting global food systems. Beyond its eco-friendly design, the sanctuary doubles as an educational tool, encouraging festivalgoers to reflect on their connection with the environment and take actionable steps to protect it. Jani's work underscores his unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainability, creating a powerful narrative of hope and restoration.
On the other hand, Radeesh Shetty’s interpretation of the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man transforms lantana camara, an invasive species, into a powerful symbol of progress and ecological restoration. By incorporating materials like bamboo and recycled metal, Shetty’s work encapsulates resilience and sustainability, turning environmental challenges into opportunities.
These installations embody Johnnie Walker’s "Keep Walking" philosophy and Echoes of Earth’s ethos, urging audiences to envision a future where innovation and conservation go hand in hand. In this Q&A, we uncover the passion, challenges, and creative journeys of Andagre and Shetty, revealing how their work inspires action and starts conversations about sustainability.
Can you share the inspiration behind your respective installations and how they align with the ethos of Echoes of Earth as India’s Greenest Music Festival?
Devendra Jani: Echoes of Earth, as a unique green music festival, provided the ideal platform to showcase my innovative bee conservation efforts. The creative brief focused on creating an installation that not only highlighted the importance of pollinators but also aligned with the festival's eco-friendly ethos. This partnership allowed me to amplify my message and inspire festivalgoers to embrace sustainable practices. By leveraging the festival's reach and Johnnie Walker's "Keep Walking" philosophy, we aimed to create a powerful impact on environmental conservation, justifying my title of "Mr. Bee of India."
Radeesh Shetty: We work closely with Lantana camara, an invasive weed that has overtaken 40% of Indian forests and continues to spread at an alarming rate. By using this weed in our installation, we aim to raise awareness about its potential as a sustainable alternative to cane, aligning with Echoes of Earth's ethos of sustainability and ecological restoration. Echoes of Earth, with its commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness, provided the perfect platform to showcase this vision.
How did the collaboration with Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic come about, and what was the creative brief you were working with?
DJ: The inspiration behind my installation stems from a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This collaboration with Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic resonates with my artistic vision and values. Johnnie Walker's "Keep Walking" philosophy mirrors my dedication to creating a sustainable future. My dream is for my Son and future generations to have enough food and live in harmony with nature, which keeps me motivated to continue working towards a greener future. This installation reflects that dream, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action for environmental conservation.
RS: The collaboration was a natural fit, as Johnnie Walker’s Keep Walking philosophy resonates with the spirit of progress and movement embodied by the Striding Man. The creative brief was to reimagine this iconic symbol through a sustainable and Indian ecological lens. The challenge was to merge innovation, sustainability, and visual impact while staying true to the core message of resilience and responsible action.
Design and Material Choices
Could you walk us through the process of designing the sanctuary installation and sourcing eco-friendly materials like corks and reclaimed wood?
DJ: Creating an immersive and engaging experience for festival-goers posed several challenges, including tight timelines and the large size of the installation. I travelled from Pune to Bangalore for this installation set-up. Sourcing the right materials was particularly difficult, as bees are very selective about artificial materials. To overcome these challenges, we meticulously planned each step and collaborated with Echoes of Earth team to ensure local suppliers’ timely delivery of eco-friendly materials like bamboo, sticks, wood logs, and mud. Additionally, I engaged volunteers to help with the construction, ensuring the installation stayed on schedule. By focusing on natural materials and involving the community, I was able to create an installation that was both functional and visually appealing, enhancing the festival experience.
What motivated the use of Lantana camara, an invasive species, as the primary material for the Striding Man statue?
RS: Lantana camara was chosen as the primary material for the Striding Man statue to transform an ecological challenge into an opportunity. As an invasive species, lantana has caused significant harm to Indian forests, but repurposing it highlights its potential for restoration and resourcefulness. The Striding Man installation embodies this vision, symbolizing exploration, resilience, and its viability as a sustainable alternative to cane.
Symbolism and Message
What role do pollinators play in our ecosystem, and how does your installation help raise awareness about their importance?
DJ: Pollinators, such as bees, play a crucial role in our ecosystem by aiding the reproduction of many plants, including those that produce fruits, vegetables, Spices, and nuts. This makes them essential for our food supply, as more than 80% of the food we consume relies on pollination services provided by bees. They also contribute to biodiversity by helping plants reproduce, which supports other wildlife. My Bee Hotel installation flags the need of habitat for solitary native bees, it highlights their importance in pollination, especially over honeybees. The bee hotel serves as an educational tool, showing how simple structures can support these vital insects. By raising awareness, the art installation encourages people to take action in their own gardens and communities to protect and support pollinators.
How does the Striding Man reflect the ideas of progress and ecological restoration, and what message do you hope attendees take away from it?
RS: The Striding Man symbolizes forward movement—a call to action for progress that is conscious and sustainable. By using lantana as a material, the installation reflects the need to restore balance in our ecosystems while moving towards a better future. We hope attendees walk away with a sense of responsibility, realizing that even the most pressing challenges can be transformed into opportunities for impactful change.
Challenges and Innovations
Were there any challenges in working with sustainable or unconventional materials, and how did you overcome them?
DJ: Yes, there were several challenges in working with sustainable or unconventional materials. One major challenge was sourcing materials that would be accepted by native bees. This required traveling to finding specific items like old, unpolished wood, hay, and twigs, which are not typically available in shops. We sourced these materials from nearby forest areas. Additionally, we had to cut a lot of bamboo in specific size and complete various tasks within a limited timeframe. The dynamic weather and unexpected rains also posed a challenge, making us worry about the installation in the open space. Despite these obstacles, we managed to overcome them and successfully put up the installation.
RS: Working with lantana was particularly challenging because of its irregular form and density, and its sticks are extremely strong and hard to bend. It required innovative crafting techniques to shape and integrate it into the design.Sourcing and processing lantana comes with its own set of challenges. Access to lantana sticks is restricted to tribal communities, who are the only ones permitted to collect them from the forest. This makes the process logistically complex and requires collaboration with these communities to obtain and prepare the material. Overcoming these challenges reaffirmed our belief in the potential of unconventional materials to deliver both aesthetic and functional value.
Did you use any innovative techniques or approaches during the creation of these installations that are worth highlighting?
DJ: Yes, there were several unique and experimental techniques used in designing the eco-friendly habitats Bee Hotel for pollinators. This was my first art installation of such height, as all my previous bee hotels were much smaller. We needed specific materials and twigs that weren't available in shops, so we sourced them from the forest area near the festival site just a day before. I specifically wanted old wood because bees don't occupy polished or processed wood. To my surprise, the festival had a few shipping boxes with old wood logs that we could reuse. These experimental approaches added an unexpected "wow" factor to the installation, enhancing its appeal and effectiveness.
RS: To create the sculpture, we first constructed a metal framework to form the initial shape and then meticulously clad it with lantana sticks, nailing each piece in place. This required extensive experimentation and close collaboration with local artisans to understand the material and process. The process was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, showcasing how art and sustainability can coexist seamlessly.
Community and Impact
How did local communities contribute to the creation of the sanctuary installation, and what are the plans for its long-term impact beyond the festival?
DJ: Local communities played a crucial role in crafting these pollinator sanctuaries, and their involvement significantly shaped the project. A local supplier provided the hexagonal frames, while a carpenter, despite our language barrier, perfectly cut the bamboo to size. The boxes were sourced from a local kabadiwala, who was amazed to see his boxes repurposed for a bee hotel. A local painter added the final touches, seamlessly blending the installation with the festival landscape. Additionally, a lady police officer visited the bee hotel and appreciated how one queen runs the hive like a big happy family. This collaboration highlighted how different local communities can connect with and contribute to nature-focused projects, enriching the overall experience.
How do you think your statue can inspire conversations about sustainability and ecological balance?
RS: The Striding Man installation is designed to be more than a visual spectacle—it is a conversation starter. By showcasing the transformation of lantana and its use as an alternative material, the statue highlights the importance of ecological balance and the power of sustainable solutions. It encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with nature and consider how individual and collective actions can contribute to restoration.
Personal Connection and Future
What drives your personal passion for blending creativity with sustainability in your work?
DJ: I dream of a world where my son and future generations have enough food and can live in harmony with nature. This vision keeps me motivated to work towards a greener future. My installation reflects this dream, aiming to raise awareness and inspire the younger generation to engage in environmental conservation.
RS: My passion stems from a deep connection with eco-conscious alternative solutions and the belief that creativity can drive meaningful change. Art and design have the power to connect, inspire, and educate, and I see sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity to innovate. Blending the two allows me to create work that resonates on an emotional level while addressing critical environmental issues.
Are there any plans to scale or replicate these concepts in other festivals or spaces in the future?
DJ: Looking ahead, I aspire to expand projects like this to local gardens and housing societies. In the past, human settlements naturally supported native bee habitats with wood logs for fuel and mud walls. Today, with hard walls, no old wood, and paved roads, these habitats have diminished. By extending bee hotels to housing societies and local gardens, we can help revive native bee populations and engage citizens in conservation efforts. While I am less hopeful about collaborating with government garden departments due to the need for extensive follow-ups and their less approachable nature, I believe community-driven initiatives can make a significant impact. This grassroots approach will foster a deeper connection between people and nature, promoting sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.
RS: Absolutely. The success of the Striding Man has reinforced our vision to scale similar projects across festivals, public spaces, and community-driven initiatives. Over the years, we have showcased our work in nearly 13 to 15 exhibitions worldwide, focusing exclusively on waste materials like lantana, which aligns with our passion for sustainability. Each year, we challenge ourselves to design something new, driving interest and engagement from the global design community. By creating installations that merge art, sustainability, and local ecological narratives, we aim to inspire a broader audience and promote sustainable practices on a larger scale.
