Brahmaputra by Sunrise

Origins

Brahmaputra by sunrise is part of a series of artworks inspired by the RiVeins project, being curated at Atelier Arth, a thought-experiment on community-based flood resilience systems, focused on in rural communities. 

Indeed, rural populations introduce additional social and cultural challenges that cannot be overlooked by the existing stoic tech-focused solutions. 

This is where storytelling becomes crucial.

To link society with the technology that aims to serve it.

Aerial view of a portion of the river Brahmaputra in Assam, highlighting the topographical scale in question. (Credits: Google Maps)

Raison-d'être

Brahmaputra by sunrise seeks to promote the beautiful land of Assam, tucked away in the shelters of the Himalayas in the northeast of India. A land nourished by the mighty Brahmaputra river that has known annual flooding since the beginning of its existence.

The artwork also seeks to raise awareness about the growing risk of climate-related disasters, the effect on society, especially marginalised populations, and the technological efforts being put in place to address these challenges.

The artwork seeks to focus on the need for a holistic interdisciplinary approach towards building disaster resilient societies.

Current location

Brahmaputra by sunrise was a gift to vorteX-io.
It sits on a display case at the entrance at their offices in Toulouse.

LifeShip Nanofiche with the artworks engraved
(Credits: LifeShip, LunARC, 2025)

Why send art to the Moon?

As an artist, I have always marvelled at the power of creativity, a force that transcends the limitations of our earthly existence, connecting us to something greater than ourselves—the infinite, vast cosmos itself. 

As we embark on this new phase of space exploration—indeed, Firefly is the first private mission that has demonstrated successful soft lunar landing, kickstarting the next dimension of our interaction with the cosmos— and what better way to celebrate this boundless potential of human creativity than to place a piece of our collective soul on the lunar surface?

By establishing a community art gallery on the moon, we have created a symbolic celestial mirror that reflects  our earthly existence back to us from the lunar surface—the dreams we weave as well as the challenges that we face as a society—connecting us across cultural and geographical boundaries. Indeed, this initiative invites us to engage in a profound conversation about our shared humanity and the burning world we currently inhabit. 

The moon, with its silent, ethereal beauty, becomes a stage for us to project our hopes and fears, prompting us to look inward and consider the broader implications of our actions. It reminds us that, no matter how far we venture, our creativity and dreams will always be a part of our journey, guiding us towards a more inclusive and reflective exploration of the cosmos.

A deeper message—a warning

While the allure of space exploration has always captivated the human imagination, recent developments have raised important ethical questions. What once was a quest for knowledge and discovery is increasingly becoming a venture driven by exploitation and hunger for power and dominance (and that too, over what?) 

The relentless pursuit of resources in space mirrors the exploitation of our own planet, nature and our own societies. Therefore, the commercialization of space is unstable ground to be tread on carefully, with its focus on mining asteroids and "colonizing" other planets—for an Indian-origin person, this reeks of the cadavers of the past, which still haunt us decades after the independence of the country.

As we reach for the stars, we must not repeat the mistakes of our past, and so it becomes essential, more so now than ever, to balance our collective ambitions with embracing sustainable practices and respect for the cosmos. The moon, Mars, and beyond should not be seen merely as repositories of valuable minerals but as part of a shared heritage that demands our stewardship. 

The place of artists in space exploration

Indeed, artists have, since time immemorial, demonstrated their unparalleled power to inspire, provoke, and challenge societal norms, even in the space industry. By incorporating artists into this narrative, we just might address the delicate balance between space exploitation and exploration. 

Artists bring a unique perspective, one that values creativity, empathy, and human connection. Their involvement would ensure that our ventures into space are not solely driven by technological and economic considerations but are also guided by a profound understanding of our place in the universe, towards a more democratic and incremental change in our collective thinking.

Their inclusion in space missions has already fostered a culture of reflection and dialogue, prompting us to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of our actions (shoutout to the ITACCUS community). By bringing these perspectives into the realm of space exploration, we are reminded of the importance of respecting and preserving the delicate balance of the cosmos.

The most remarkable aspect of the LunARC initiative is that it is the first community art gallery on the moon, and that too featuring 30,000 artworks from tribal communities who have traditionally been excluded from the space race. A platform has just been provided to these less heard voices to share their unique cultural heritage and perspectives with the world at large, reflected back by the Moon itself. A true example of an inclusive and representative space for all humanity.

Indeed, these artists from tribal and indigenous communities have added invaluable perspectives and historical context to the conversation, drawing upon their rich traditions and profound connections to the land and sky and on being connected with nature, a thought-priority fast disappearing from our ever concrete-filled lives. By including their voices, we are enriching the narrative of space exploration, and ensuring that the legacy we leave behind is one of unity and hope.

And then the moon itself...?

The moon has long been a muse for artists, poets, and dreamers. Its ethereal glow and ever-changing phases have inspired countless works of art throughout history and have shaped societies, influencing our time-keeping practices and beyond. The moon's significance transcends art, touching aspects of religion, science, and daily life.

In various cultures, the moon holds a sacred place in religious practices and beliefs. For example, in Hinduism, the moon is revered as a deity, Chandra, and its phases are crucial for rituals and festivals. The moon's influence on human spirituality and culture is profound and enduring. Similarly, in Islam, the lunar calendar determines the timing of important events such as Ramadan and Hajj. 

The moon's phases also resemble the menstrual cycles of women, symbolizing the connection between nature and the human body. The regular ebb and flow of the moon's light mirror the cycles of fertility, playing a role in myths and folklore about womanhood and life.

Given this deep and multifaceted relationship with the moon, the notion of sending a physical art gallery to its surface is an extraordinarily bold declaration. It signifies that our creativity and cultural heritage are not confined to our planet but are legacies we wish to share with the universe.

And now, our gallery is safely on the moon's surface, a beacon of human creativity and resilience. It stands as a reminder that art is a universal language, one that transcends cultural barriers and unites us all, creates a dialogue between the heavens and the Earth, and invites future generations to engage with our legacy.