Murals maketh a neighbourhood

By Rachana Ramesh

Chandhini and her two friends commute on foot from and to their college. After attending their PU classes at the Government Girl’s College in Malleshwaram, they pack their bags and get chatty on their daily road home. They stop by at one of the many murals painted on the lanes they pass for a quick selfie once in a while. “The classical dancers are my favourite”, says Chandhini while her friend stands firm about liking the eye motifs mural better.

In case, you’re wondering what the argument is about -- it’s about the murals that adorn the walls of Malleshwaram. Malleshwaram Hogona, is a street art initiative funded by the Bengaluru Moving Campaign. Malleshwaram Hogona effort aims to ensure the safety and accessibility of non-motorised transport, especially for women, with art. It has started in collaboration with Geechu Galu, a community of local artists to make our streets more pedestrianfriendly. Malleshwaram Hogona is a mural art trail made in an attempt to make the sensorial experience of walking through the dark alleys of Malleshwaram interesting. “Graphic art in Malleswaram can only highlight the existing beauty around each corner”, says Yash, creative lead, Geechu Galu.

Chandhani and her friends now like their daily route home. Not only is it now more colourful but they find it safer. “We used to walk on these lanes even before these artworks were painted. But now there has been an increase in the number of people walking on the lanes”, says Chandhini. The number of people walking on these dim light trails has increased as people stop to admire the art or come to especially view it. This has also increased a sense of community as they stand together admiring the murals.

Pedestrianised streets are said to create attractive public spaces which encourage not only walking but a sense of community. It gives people a sense of belonging even if they are walking by themselves as they are surrounded by other people and activities. Street art across the world has proven to make a locality appear more friendly, inviting more pedestrians and even increasing the sense of ownership among locals. “Art definitely has a better purpose than mere decoration. Street art proves that all the more right. Greater the purpose, better the art. We have lots to say about women’s safety... so let’s tell it with a bit of splatter”, said Meghana, an artist. The culture of the area frozen in time -- its touch, fragrances, tastes, sounds, and sights are taken as inspirations by 13 artists to churn out these 12 murals spread across Malleshwaram. “Hopefully, this exercise vitalises the adventure ‘Malgudi’ and encourages residents to reclaim the lost charm by simply slowing down, reconnecting with one’s neighbour by reviving together lanes lost to vehicular parking”, says Yash.

The Sparrows by Spandana Vella, for example, hopes to reflect the connection between sparrows to the old world of the area. The chirping of the last known population pools of sparrows is an ingrained sound in the childhood memories of every kid that has grown up in Malleshwaram. Spandana’s murals not only showcase the disappearing biodiversity but also display the nostalgic connection to nature that the locality has. While Kaapi kudithiya by Enoch Dheeraj Ebenezer draws its inspiration from the fact that Malleshwaram’s favorite pastime habit is sipping on filter coffee. This one cup of beverage that connects people of all ages through conversation is a drink every restaurant in the nooks and corners of Malleshwaram is proud of serving.

Occupying the heart of Malleshwaram, Sampige Road is named so because decades ago, Sampige trees with their tropical green leaves and yellow fragrant flowers lined either side of this road. Once upon a time, there were Sampige trees all around by Chandana BV reflects this rich history to create a sensory visual experience.

As you stroll through the trail, you will come across Narayanamma. Not physically but a glimpse of her essence, through the strokes painted by Parameshwar Waran. As a homage to Pourakarmikas, the early morning workforce that silently keeps consistent cleanliness on the streets, Waran has painted the portrait of Narayanamma. The mural titled Pourakarmika captures the intricate details of Narayanamma’s face, the curves, and the wrinkles, putting to display her 15-year journey of working as a pourakarmika in the lanes of Malleshwaram.

The other murals, may it be Sakkare kaddi or Within her stride, all too bring in an aspect of Malleshwaram that makes it feel like home.

“The most memorable pieces of street art are those that are not only beautiful but hold a mirror to the audience in the most unlikely places - a mirror to their thoughts or their being. These visua