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Grafitti to say sorry!
Highlights
In India, we take people for granted and forget to respect them – whether they are our domestic helps or otherwise. We have to improve on our sense of humility,” says Swathi Vijay, an artist from Hyderabad. Swathi Vijay and her husband Vijay Kumar, both artists recently painted images of noted freedom fighters saying “I am sorry” at Jubilee Hills check-post and the pillars of the Metro Rail at Hitec City on the way to Ayyappa Colony.
Artist-couple Swathi and Vijay Kumar, depicted a social cause in their artworks, which are painted on the walls of streets in the city
In India, we take people for granted and forget to respect them – whether they are our domestic helps or otherwise. We have to improve on our sense of humility,” says Swathi Vijay, an artist from Hyderabad. Swathi Vijay and her husband Vijay Kumar, both artists recently painted images of noted freedom fighters saying “I am sorry” at Jubilee Hills check-post and the pillars of the Metro Rail at Hitec City on the way to Ayyappa Colony.
Some of the leaders in the paintings are Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose among others. The artworks were done in light of the recent Independence Day, and were based on their observation following a trip to Japan where they found the Japanese to be very polite and humble. The couple showcased their works at Biwako Biennale Exhibition, Japan, in September 2014.So what was the purpose for depicting politicians in their art? “It is a known fact that a lot of politicians don’t fulfill their promises and may also be involved in corruption. The paintings show that even our Indian leaders from the past whom we look up to went through the same struggles and they didn’t apologise either,” says Swathi.
She further explains that the artists wanted to show that these leaders are finally apologising, and so should all of us. “We should all have the humility to admit when we are wrong,” she states. The duo is hopeful that the message, which is meant for everyone and not only for politicians will at least help reduce repetition of one’s mistakes, and make the society a peaceful place to live in.
Street art tends to have a negative outlook and yet the couple took on the challenge. “People can see and interact more with art that is displayed in the open. All of our concepts are related to the society, so what better medium could we use than an open display? Not many would be able to go to an art gallery but it is easier to glance at a wall,” says Swathi.
So did they receive any threats or criticism so far? Smilingly she adds, “We were initially afraid to do the paintings but people took it very positively. We didn’t expect this result.” Performing street art with strong messages to the community is challenging as one might imagine.
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The major problems that they face are that they need to get permission to do the artwork at a particular location, which has sufficient visibility, and the financial aspect. “The appreciation we get from people is motivation for us. However, we do not get reimbursed for our efforts towards which we spend from our own pockets.
We will be happy to work on more such messages if we have someone to sponsor us,” she notes. The artist duo has been inspired by UK graffiti artist, Banksy’s works. The couple’s art have been displayed at exhibitions in Paris, Canada, Japan, Baroda, Chennai and other places.
By:Elita Enoch
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