‘Nauraspur’ artwork brings nine rasas experience to Bengaluru airport’s Terminal 2

Inspired by a historic city of nine zones, textile artist Pragati Mathur creates a large-scale installation that visually interprets the nine rasas through craft, material, and movement.

A striking new artwork at Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 is drawing attention for its scale, depth, and emotional richness. Titled Nauraspur, the monumental installation is created by acclaimed textile artist Pragati Mathur and is inspired by a historic city of nine zones envisioned by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the ruler of Bijapur.

Rooted in classical Indian aesthetics, Nauraspur reimagines the ancient concept of the nine rasas, fundamental human emotions, into a contemporary visual narrative. The artwork explores Shringara (beauty and love), Bhaya (fear), Bheebhatsya (revulsion), Irsha (jealousy), Shanta (peace), Adbhuta (wonderment), Hasya (happiness), Karuna (compassion), and Raudra (anger), each expressed through layered textures, colours, and forms.

The installation reflects Mathur’s deep engagement with textile traditions. Trained as a weaver, the artist brings together six distinct textile-based techniques, tapestry, rug weaving, basketry, block printing, plain weaves, and colour-weave effects. While each technique stands on its own, they are seamlessly bound by a shared language of craftsmanship, giving the artwork cohesion and depth.

Inspired by a city with nine zones built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, ruler of Bijapur, Nauraspur is a multi-layered and sensory artwork by Pragati Mathur.

Layered with meaning, it explores the nine rasas through texture, form, colour, and technique: Shringara (beauty and love),… pic.twitter.com/fXQTf0jIM6

— BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) January 16, 2026

Also Read:NEET made mandatory for BPT and BOT admissions in Karnataka from 2026-27

Adding another dimension to the piece are mirror-like metal discs embedded within the structure. These reflective elements interact with light and movement, subtly drawing viewers into the artwork. As people pass by, they catch glimpses of themselves reflected in the surface, reinforcing the idea that emotions are universal, yet deeply personal.

Suspended overhead, Nauraspur transforms transit into an evolving experience. The artwork reveals different layers and details depending on the viewer’s movement and perspective. Speaking about her work, Pragati Mathur notes that while emotions are shared by all, each rasa can trigger different memories and thought processes depending on one’s state of mind, turning the installation into a journey through emotion and reflection.

Spanning 20 by 24 feet, Nauraspur is crafted using an intricate mix of materials including copper wire, silk, white hand-woven organza fabric, cotton and silk yarn, steel and brass pellets, silver and gold gota, brass and silver-plated die-cut flowers, copper sheets, glass beads, and stainless-steel elements.

Also Read:Pattandur Agrahara Metro gets direct skywalk to ITPB, ending road crossing hassles for 55,000 employees

The artwork is installed at Terminal 2, Domestic Departure Boarding Gates D5-D6, where it stands as a powerful blend of history, craft, and contemporary expression, inviting travellers to pause, reflect, and connect with the many emotions that shape human experience.