Artist Bio:

Saroj kumar Badatya is a visual artist based in Odisha, India. His artistic practice explores the connection between grass, agriculture, climate change, traditional knowledge, and folk Odia folk culture. He meticulously researches and collects regional grasses, exploring their ecological and cultural significance through fieldwork and community engagement. He uses nontoxic printmaking, woodcut prints, natural pigments, drawing, and video to create immersive spaces for reflection on environmental and agricultural heritage. By collaborating with local farmers and communities, he uncovers stories of disappearing grass species, climate change, and shifts in traditional farming practices.

Artist Statement:

I have been deeply interested in exploring the complex roles of wild grasses and their significance in our ecosystems, whether they are palatable, poisonous or medicinal. My fascination stems from their profound connections to agriculture, indigenous and folk Odia culture, and history. Through my work, I have collected various grasses from agricultural and barren lands, where they resemble vegetables and share similar names. These grasses are often used for fodder and, in some instances, for human consumption. My practice is shaped by socio-economic realities and ancestral farming knowledge.

In my explorations, I have encountered poisonous grasses, such as Parthenium hysterophorus, in regions like Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Ladakh. And have observed species such as creeping thistle, Melilotus alba, and Chenopodium murale. This fieldwork not only informs my artistic creations but also allows me to document the lives of farmers and the pressing impacts of climate change on these communities.

Engaging with local communities to learn the names and cultural significance of grasses has been particularly enriching. I have found that some grasses are disappearing from certain areas, while others persist, and some have vanished entirely. I differentiate grasses based on their structure, leaves, and distinct aromas, which further informs my creative process.

I use non-toxic printmaking techniques and natural materials, creating pigments from various soils, stones, and leaves. By printing images of grasses and their accompanying stories, I aim to create immersive spaces where viewers can reflect on the environment and the importance of sustainable agriculture.