THE ROCK GARDEN

 This post is will be mostly images as there is not a lot to say about Chandigarh’s Rock Garden other than it is literally a garden of rocks. In the US, a rock garden is typically a display of various vegetation nestled into the and crannies of interested rock formations. In Chandigarh, a rock garden, The Rock Garden, is an art installation that left me wondering what universe I had entered.

There are three phases to The Rock Garden. I’m not sure what separates Phase I from Phase II, but Phase III is more modern and has more open spaces. Phase three also has an extraordinary display of hundreds of swings that beckon the inner child of most adults to come out and play.

Of note:

• There is a pathway meandering throughout the Rock Garden, you can stray from is slightly at times, but the only way onward is to make your way back to the main path and carry on.
• Most of the portals between the spaces are small arch ways that are 36-40” tall at best. Even those of us who are vertically challenged need to mind our heads.
• There are areas of bizarre statues and sculptures throughout the garden. A particularly interesting sculpture garden was made entirely from cement and broken bangles.
• Trash is used. Trash or recycled pottery/ceramics covered the spaces. Broken outlets, toilet foot plates (Indian toilets), and teacups tile the spaces.
• There was an area of Phase III dedicated to telling the story of Indian culture through life-sized recycled fabric dolls/sculptures. I have no photos of this are as we toured it by flashlight due to the power being turned off at the time. To be honest, it was a little spooky and I half expected to stumble upon a crime scene among the dancing shadows of the fiber folk. Also, we were nearly locked in this display.
• The photos are out of order, but one would hardly know as the whole place is a confusing labyrinth of scraps and imagination. 

Some of the many scrap soldiers

... for the sake of texture

This guy... just chillin'

Soldiers in the sunset

The pathway to Phase III

One of the waterfalls in the garden. This is on the way to Phase III, or maybe it is part of Phase III...?

Phase II amphitheater

The swings of Phase III. Under each arch is a swing. This serpentine of arches snakes its way through the  open courtyard of Phase III. 

A bangle beast. 

Shaan boy... this is how he choose to smile for the camera. Too cute!

The rocky path through Phase I.

A village of scraps. 

Another water feature of the garden.

Rocks on display.

Electrical outlets as art.

The entry stone

A tiled tree... so interesting.