Travel+Leisure India & South Asia attended the third edition of Panorama Editions, an artistic endeavour curated by artist and filmmaker Sarah Singh, hosted at the Mool Sagar Palace and Fort Museum by Maharawal Chaitanya Raj Singh of Jaisalmer. This edition was nothing short of a sensory delight, bringing together the creative forces of 20 embassies to explore the aura of serene silence that envelops the desert region.
On November 3, 2023, the third Panorama Editions was unveiled at the Mool Sagar Palace, the ancestral summer palace of the royal family of Jaisalmer. The event was an intimate gathering, graciously hosted by Maharawal Chaitanya Raj Singh and Queen Mother Raseshwari Rajya Laxmi, alongside the founder of Panorama Editions, Sarah Singh, and her collaborator for this year, Siddhaant Mohta. Drawing inspiration from a profound sound experience etched in her memory from the Jaisalmer desert in 1992, this year artist Sarah Singh brought the concept of Silent/Sound SAFARI to life.
Experiencing Silence at Jaisalmer’s Panorama Editions
Under a starry desert sky, dimly lit by tea lights and lanterns at the grand Mool Sagar Palace, a select group of guests and art enthusiasts, including Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, were treated to a glimpse of the artist’s vision. We saw a live art installation inspired by a photograph and a theatrical work that portrayed intricate relationships within the palace’s ancient stepwell. The use of sound and silence was intrinsic to this captivating experience.
The following day marked a historic moment, as the 12th-century Fort Palace Museum opened its doors to host a contemporary art exhibition alongside its permanent collection. With support from nearly 20 embassies and arts organisations, Singh curated a diverse range of artworks, serving as a showcase for the salon’s central theme of Sound as an art and experience.
Titled Silent/Sound SAFARI, this exhibition invites visitors on a journey through a diverse audio landscape. It features field recordings from Mexico, a rhythmic black-and-white German film, distant sounds of an imaginary land from Sweden, and the profound silence evoked by climate change in India.
Picture yourself wandering through the quiet corridors of the 800-year-old Jaisalmer Fort Museum, the only living fort in the world. As you explore, you’ll be serenaded by the sounds of a passing train, the cheerful conversations of two Mexican men, or the resonating bells of a distant cathedral. These auditory experiences transport you to Mexico, contrasting vividly with the physical surroundings.
In another captivating moment, as you open an ancient door within the Fort, you’ll step into a room filled with storage vessels crafted from camel skin many years ago. Here, a film accompanied by playful music by modernist artist Len Lye from New Zealand will instantly engage your senses, contrasting solemnity with playful vibrancy.
Beyond The Exhibition
The highlight of this artistic journey was an international public concert held on November 4 against the backdrop of the Jaisalmer Fort. The event featured a mesmerising performance by Monika Lakatos and her band; their Hungarian Gypsy music resonated through the venue, captivating the hearts of all in attendance — including us!
To close this evening with a bang, the audience was treated to the India premiere of one of Europe’s most acclaimed music collectives, Den Sorte Skole from Denmark. Making their debut performance in India, Den Sorte Skole collaborated with the renowned lighting design team Vertigo to present a work of art titled Ghosts and Robots. This audio-visual masterpiece painted the night with a symphony of sights and sounds, leaving an indelible impression on everyone fortunate enough to be part of this momentous occasion.
By interweaving global and local sounds, this year’s Panorama Editions, curated by artist Sarah Singh, promises a sensory journey that will run until December at the Fort Museum in Jaisalmer. What makes this event even more special is that certain parts of the Fort, previously inaccessible to the public, have been opened for this occasion, offering a unique experience for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Silent/Sound SAFARI is an immersive, culturally rich, and artistically stimulating event that will captivate the senses and leave an indelible impression on all who have the privilege of participating.
Related: Explore The Best Of Jaisalmer In 48 Hours With This Handy Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
— What are the dates for Panorama Editions 2023, held at Mool Sagar Palace and Fort Museum?
November 4, 2023 to December 4, 2023.
— How can one reach Mool Sagar Palace and Fort Museum, Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) is the main airport in Jaisalmer. It is a domestic airport and is situated almost 13 km from the city centre. Upon landing, various local cabs can help you reach the venue.
— Where can I stay in Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and comfortable stay.
Written By
Pallavi Phukan
Social Media HeadA social media addict and K-drama fanatic, Pallavi Phukan can often be found endlessly scrolling on Instagram for the next travel destination. When not racking her brains for a clickbait caption, you can catch this digital strategy expert dreaming of a beach vacation with her toddler daughter for company.
