Nek Chand Sani
A palatial sculpture park, built illegally and in secret by Nek Chand over a period of 36 years.
While graffiti artists boast over colorful pieces dashed off in the night, they have nothing on Nek Chand (born in 1924). Working illegally and in secret for over 36 years, Nek Chand created a gigantic 30-acre series of palaces, pavilions, and courtyards, all filled with his unique rock sculptures, mostly built form recycled building materials and rubble remaining from the villages that were razed to create Le Courbousier’s vision for Chandigarh.
In 1975, when authorities in Chandigarh found the astounding creation in the heart of a nature conserve, they were flabbergasted. The entire complex came very close to being destroyed, but after the public began visiting the site and an agricultural scientist spoke out about the value of this “enchanted kingdom,” the garden was saved. Nek Chand was even given a salary to continue working and expanding on his great vision, and at age 85, he continues to expand the vision of his kingdom.
Read more about Nek Chand Sani on Atlas Obscura…
Category: Outsider Art, Outsider Architecture
Location: Chandigarh, India
Edited by: Dylan, Henry, wythe