In One - Jaswant, Osian, India, part of Pierre Sernet’s One series, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony unfolds amidst the vast sand dunes of the Indian desert in Osian. The minimalist cube structure stands out against the warm, open landscape, where camels sit patiently in the background, tethered with colorful saddles. The Indian participant, dressed in traditional attire with a vibrant turban, adds a culturally specific element that complements the Japanese tea ceremony, bridging Eastern traditions in an unlikely setting.

The desert environment, expansive and timeless, contrasts with the intimate and ritualistic nature of the tea ceremony. Sernet’s choice of setting highlights the adaptability of cultural practices and encourages viewers to reflect on the universal aspects of mindfulness, hospitality, and human connection. The cube functions as a conceptual space of tranquility, symbolizing the merging of Japanese and Indian traditions and serving as a refuge of calm within the vast openness of the desert.

Through One - Jaswant, Osian, India, Sernet invites the viewer to see cultural interaction as an enriching experience rather than a clash. The camels, often seen as symbols of endurance in arid landscapes, parallel the resilient nature of tradition, suggesting that ancient customs can endure and adapt, even far from their origins. This piece reinforces the central message of the One series: that shared human values can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, creating moments of unity in even the most unexpected places.