15 December,2023 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Street art gets its due in Mumbai. FIle/Pic
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Mumbai's graffiti scene is emerging as a dynamic tool for expression. From celebrated film stars immortalised on the walls to thought-provoking social issues revolving around gender equality and climate activism - street art in Mumbai is becoming a medium to spark discourse on a myriad of themes.
Apart from expressionism, creativity and colour have breathed new life into formerly congested lanes, old docks, slums, overlooked corners and decaying walls. While Bandra's Chapel Road is a treasure trove of cinematic characters, the initiatives of the 'St+art India project' at Sassoon Docks and the 'Chal Rang De' gig in Asalpha showcase the transformative power of art in revamping neglected corners of the city.
The charm of Mumbai's graffiti work extends beyond the locals, attracting a steady stream of tourists wanting to explore the city's vibrant street art scene. Midday.com traversed every nook and cranny of Mumbai to curate the trendiest graffiti murals one must check out, across the city.
The latest enhancement to Mumbai's graffiti landscape is the mural gracing the streets of Marol - the renowned "BEST" at Maroshi Road station. The dilapidated walls at the station became an open-air canvas for local artists who transformed them into bulbous portraits, depicting the city's backbone - The BEST bus.
Until approximately a month ago, this BEST station was essentially a dump site. Reflections upon this situation prompted the artists from the art community - MAV to come together and initiate a restoration effort involving a cleanup drive and the addition of a whimsical mural.
The community's collective vision is to put Marol on the cultural map, aspiring to turn it into the next Kala Ghoda with heritage walks and street art tours. Within the MAV, the Bharat Van Garden holds a significant place where they conduct weekly sessions, supported by the Military Road Residents Welfare Association (MRRWA) and Wicked Broz, a graffiti and street art collective.
MAV regularly organises #Back2TheRoots jam sessions at the garden every Sunday, offering activities such as slacklining, sketching sessions, a garden clean-up and a rap cipher. The murals by artists and locals reflect the culture of the families in the area and other MAV stops that patrons can explore are Adarsh Nagar, Jabarpada, Vijay Pipe Lane and buildings around Marol.
Welcome to Bandra's Chapel Road where walls are adorned with life-sized depictions of Bollywood figures. While Mumbai has been the birthplace of Bollywood, it's noteworthy that Bollywood contributes significantly to the city's identity. To mark this symbiotic relationship, graphic designer and artist Ranjit Dahiya initiated the âBollywood Art Project' (BAP).
This eclectic stretch has become a canvas for local and international artists associated with BAP to showcase their talent, transforming mundane walls into captivating works of art. As you walk down Chapel Road, there is Madhubala in her quintessential pose near Duke's restaurant. Further ahead, there is a poster of Anarkali and two iconic images of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
The murals often depict a diverse range of subjects, from Bollywood celebrities and cultural icons to social messages meant to sensitise people over women's safety, raise awareness around health and promote religious harmony. Each stroke of paint contributes to the visual symphony that captures the dynamic essence of Bandra and its cosmopolitan spirit.
Should you wander through Bandra, a leisurely walk along Pereira Road will bring you into direct contact with none other than the iconic angry young man - Amitabh Bacchan. Painted on a horizontally robust wall, his mural exudes all his charisma and waiting for a cinematic duel with Peter.
The murals not only add aesthetic value to the neighbourhood but also contribute to the sense of community and cultural identity. Chapel Road has become a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the fusion of urban art and the rich tapestry of Mumbai's diverse culture, turning a casual stroll into an enriching visual experience.
Mural of Amitabh Bacchan
The renowned Sassoon Docks in Colaba are now ready to captivate with their painted walls. In December 2022, a collective of more than 30 artists, participating in the St+ArtUrban Art Festival, embarked on an ambitious project to revitalise Sassoon Docks in Cuffe Parade, which has existed for over 142 years.
As one of the city's oldest docks and largest fish markets, Sassoon Docks has undergone a remarkable transformation, now adorned with numerous murals and installations crafted by artists from across the globe. Artists have breathed life into the dock's landscape through vibrant street art, transforming the freshly painted walls into a street art gallery.
The mural vividly portrays the hustle and bustle of Sassoon Docks, depicting scenes ranging from the sale of fish to the arrival of handcarts carrying the day's catch, all while showcasing the daily lives of the Koli community, the fisherfolk who earn their livelihood in the vicinity.
The objective was to make the docks more accessible to the public. Considering that only a limited number of individuals have visited these docks and gained insight into the activities occurring within - such as the process of bringing and selling fish - the awareness among the general populace has been notably low.
Although hosting some exhibitions within the Sassoon Dock space may have marginally increased these numbers, the overall reach remains quite modest. The idea revolved around bringing the essence of the docks directly to the people of Mumbai to enhance their understanding of the city's coast. After viewing visual references online, delving into its historical significance as a Mumbai landmark, the artists promptly decided to depict it in their artwork.
Among the most impactful pieces is 'Inside Out' by artist JR, featuring monochrome print portraits of local Koli residents adorning the dock buildings. This installation serves as a poignant celebration of the vibrant Koli community, an integral part of Mumbai's rich history and culture.
The artwork sheds light on often overlooked stories, particularly as much of their native spaces have succumbed to industrialisation, gentrification, or urban encroachment, Sassoon Docks being no exception. 'Inside Out' stands as a poignant reminder of untold histories struggling to endure in contemporary India.
