Monday 25 February 2013

Street Artist in Mumbai

Life and Survival in Mumbai 



Street Artist in Mumbai



He is deaf, mute and disabled. He is literate in Marathi, conveys in brief writing and in gestures.

The street is his canvas, a chalk his medium. He paints murals appropriate to scale of street, always in seating posture, obviously.
His street art also falls in the category of ancient ritual as Land Art of Rangoli / Alpana / Kolam practice by Indian women householders.


Life and Survival in Mumbai
 
Ganesha is his Idol and subject, appears in various attires of great people. Here Shivaji personified as Ganesha. This, of course, is in tune with culture in Maharashtra.

He has tremendous ‘sense of scale’ and ‘economy of means’, which even the most learned & the highly placed elite – politicians, experts, professionals etc. – may miss in their work & lifestyle.

I cannot guess his age; it seems he has arrested aging by constructive creativity.

Some benevolent institution may have given him a carriage for conveyance. There his rehabilitation comes to an end.

He shows me his album, many photographs of his paintings, and newspaper cuttings: he is a celebrity in his own right.


Indeed for many well known artists, honorarium amount they receive is never enough; whatever this person receives is never less. Government supports authors and other artists, however, this street artist may not appear in their lists; there many, too many, like him in India.


The Artist, his Land Art and Belongings in Mumbai
 
While parting, I simply salute him.
--
Life is larger than all Arts, Sciences, Religions, Philosophies, trade, techs, States ... through times and places. ― Remigius de Souza

21/02/2013

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© Remigius de Souza. All rights reserved.

7 comments:

  1. Actually there may not be too many like him. Some kind hearted IAS or IPs officers need to come and help him, by using Govt. funds or some kind hearted Bankers who make millions may spend some for people like him , by using their talents in their projects. Some kindhearted Architect may like to use him ?

    I know you are laughing Remiji, what this woman is talking about, and What is she doing? . I am like Karna, not in a position to do,but only lament.:-(

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    1. Pattuji, Remi always laughs at himself – even in pain or pleasure. He never laughs at others, or at others' cost. In fact his presence on the street is the sure sign that law and order department, police, municipality etc. is kindhearted. Architects! Architects belong to elitist class! I have met some IAS & IPS officers who are conscientious and kind.

      The others that you mentioned exist to make profit; they sponsor TV shows that spend billions of rupees… but there is no sponsor for any of the 6 lakhs plus villages in India.

      Neither can I do much for him. Only thing I can do is live frugally on minimum resources…
      My blogs, though too costly, are actually an OUTRAGE!

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  2. Good job Remi... now a days I really feel that bloggers and(cum) photographers can play vital social role... thanks for giving this artist some respect and at least some place in social media :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visit Anunoy :-) Welcome to my humble abode! Pl. do visit again.
      Through all my blogs you might see my commitment... on vital issues.
      For entertainment there are hundreds of channels!

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  3. I feel terrible about my tame response which is - Hope he gets enough to get by.

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    Replies
    1. Reading your response I felt exactly 'never mind yaar'! First I visited your blog to see you mean much more! Great!!

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    2. KayEm ! Whatever they get, they say 'Yahi Mumbai Meri Jaan'!

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