Lucknow: Nature took on a divine form at Hazratganj Metro Station, where a unique solo photography exhibition showcased 20 naturally occurring images of Lord Ganesha hidden in the bark and textures of trees. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, The Natural Forms of Ganesha brings together spirituality, photography and environmental awareness.
The exhibition was inaugurated by UPMRC Managing Director Sushil Kumar. Photographer Puneet Katyayan is the artist behind the collection, while Bhupendra Asthana has curated the exhibition.
Divine Forms Hidden in Nature
The exhibition features photographs of 20 distinct forms of Lord Ganesha that appear naturally in tree bark, trunks and their intricate textures. What makes the collection remarkable is the photographer’s ability to identify these forms within extremely small natural frames measuring just 2–3 inches.
Katyayan captured the original images in their natural surroundings before presenting them in enlarged formats for visitors. The photographs highlight the extraordinary shapes and patterns that can emerge from trees, revealing a visual connection between nature and faith.
A Study in Patience and Observation
The collection reflects the photographer’s keen eye, patience and technical expertise. No artificial intervention was used to create the forms. The light, colours and textures were captured as they appeared in nature, allowing the natural character of the trees to remain intact.
The exhibition presents nature as the artist, with the camera serving as a medium to document its unexpected creations.
Puneet Katyayan’s 15-Year Artistic Journey
Puneet Katyayan has been exploring nature, spirituality and visual storytelling for more than 15 years. He studied art at the College of Arts, University of Lucknow, and later worked for an extended period as an art director in the advertising industry. He currently serves as an assistant professor at Amity University, Lucknow.
His acclaimed Tree Bark Series explores hidden forms and patterns found in the surfaces of trees. The Gajanan series takes this artistic journey into a spiritual dimension, discovering symbols of faith and life in the textures of injured, cut and weathered trees.
Nature, Faith and Environmental Awareness
Curator Bhupendra Asthana described the exhibition as an artistic conversation between nature, spirituality and environmental consciousness.
He observed that photography, after writing, is among the most powerful visual languages of communication. The countless textures and forms found in nature expand human imagination, sensitivity and appreciation of beauty.
According to Asthana, Katyayan’s work demonstrates how a sensitive eye can discover divinity, innovation and spiritual experience even in the bark of an ordinary tree. The exhibition goes beyond the display of photographs, encouraging viewers to reflect on respect for nature, environmental awareness and India’s cultural memory.
Art Lovers and Students Visit the Exhibition
The exhibition attracted artists, photographers, students, art enthusiasts and members of the public. Visitors included Panchanan Mishra, Avinash Little, Angad Verma, Dinesh Arya and Anand Kumar, among others.
The gathering offered visitors an opportunity to experience the unusual intersection of faith and visual art, while observing how natural patterns can evoke familiar spiritual forms.
Exhibition Open Until September 17
The Natural Forms of Ganesha will remain open to the public at Hazratganj Metro Station until September 17, 2026.
Through this distinctive collection, visitors can explore the hidden beauty of tree textures and experience an artistic interpretation of Lord Ganesha that celebrates both India’s spiritual traditions and the creative power of nature.
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