Taparia’s collection of works, housed at the Kashi Art Galley in India, reveal themselves on multiple levels. These images can be seen as an attempt to record, preserve and restore historic buildings and objects of the past – sometimes in idealistic and wishful ways. Informed by a unique combination of interests in art history including; Indian mythology, alchemy, Marcel Duchamp, Indian miniature painting, Surrealism and early photography, these works also opperate on a poetic and personal register.
The initial process of gathering images and footage is objective, almost forensic – as if data is being recorded and stored for later observation, analysis and intervention. But the works also document architecture, buildings and sometimes private items such as clothing; as testimonies of time, witnesses of trade, habitation, life and sprit. The deterioration and destruction of history and its symbols is a key concern in this combination of photographic and mixed-media works.