Rajesh Vora Photographs the Unique Punjabi Tradition of Adorning Homes with Sculptural Water Tanks

Visit the rural villages of Doaba, in India’s Punjab state, and you’ll likely encounter enormous sculptures of airplanes, tanks, and soccer players perched atop homes. The regional custom began in the late 1970s with Indian citizens who had immigrated to other parts of the world but kept residences in their native country. Dubbed “showpieces,” the rooftop sculptures are a playful mix of art and architecture and even have a practical function, doubling as water tanks.

During the last several years, photographer Rajesh Vora traversed about 6,000 kilometers across the state to document hundreds of these works. Because their owners are often elsewhere, many homes are unused much of the year, and their architectural additions are reminders of the residents’ unique histories and ties to the region in their absence.

Vora’s photos capture the colloquial tradition and are on view now for the Rencontres d’Arles festival. Up through September 29, Everyday Baroque features dozens of images of the playful, idiosyncratic sculptures that characterize the landscape across hundreds of Punjabi villages.

Find more from the series on PHOTOINK, and pick up a copy of Vora’s book dedicated to the subject.

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