WHY

Daku’s powerful installation, “WHY,” floated on Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake as a massive, 300,000-plastic-bottle question mark. Commissioned by the Government of Telangana for Hyderabad Design Week, the installation was a striking response to the urgent issue of single-use plastic pollution. Positioned on the lake, the question mark was more than a symbol; it was an inquiry into our collective responsibility—prompting viewers to ask, “Why are we still using plastic? What role can individuals, corporations, and governments play in tackling this crisis?”

Known for his incisive public art, Daku used the lake installation to provide a visual reminder of plastic’s impact on marine ecosystems. Lit by solar-powered LEDs, “WHY” was visible around the clock, serving as both a statement piece and a call for sustainable change. It questioned viewers’ daily habits and encouraged reflection on alternatives to single-use plastics. In Daku’s words, “This is our take on plastic against plastic,” a call to shift our perceptions and reduce our reliance on this pervasive material.

Floating for a month, “WHY” invited citizens, tourists, and civic bodies to confront the pressing environmental realities of plastic waste and sparked conversations about the importance of a sustainable future for Hyderabad and beyond.