Why Does A Residential Building In Mahim Feature A Larger-Than-Life Mural Of A Rustic Indian Woman? | Verve Magazine
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December 15, 2018

Why Does A Residential Building In Mahim Feature A Larger-Than-Life Mural Of A Rustic Indian Woman?

Text by Sadaf Shaikh

It’s because Mexican artist Miles Toland wishes to honour India’s bucolic culture as part of his work for St+art Festival 2018….

When one utters the word ‘art’, what immediately comes to mind? Canvases featuring abstract strokes of paint displayed in palatial spaces? Patrons in full regalia, sipping champagne out of delicate flutes? The common man being able to earn only a fraction of the selling price of the painting in his entire lifetime? These were the nagging thoughts at the back of the minds of four artists who decided that they didn’t want art to remain in the elitist confines of galleries and auction houses anymore. They created St+art Foundation, an initiative supported by Asian Paints, that set in motion a much-needed urban art intervention. St+art Festival enlists the help of renowned Indian and international artists who embark on a mission to transform city localities.

With Sassoon Dock, Churchgate and Dharavi getting a much-needed dose of art last year, the transformation baton was passed on to Mahim East in 2018. We spoke to Mexican artist Miles Toland whose practice merges human forms with transcendental designs that are structured by geometric patterns. His was the first mural that was commissioned as part of the St+art Festival 2018 edition, which commenced in November and will go on till January.

Excerpts from our conversation….

What piqued your interest in street art?
I got into street art as a form of rebellion, as a way to speak from my heart without having any limitations. It was only later that my art evolved into a defined message with a purpose. I began my journey in street art with graffiti but it soon turned into a lifestyle rather a Sunday hobby. I was doing hip-hop and dabbling in spoken word.

What do you wish to convey through your art?
My works tend to focus on subjects that are in a state of peace or reflection because I seek to evoke a sense of calm in people who view my art. I’d like it to make them pause for a second and see a larger perspective.

What is the idea behind your work for St+Art Mumbai festival?
The art is deliberately ambiguous. I want people to stop in their tracks, look at the elements and question how they relate to each other. The underlying intention behind painting a woman in a colourful sari with a matka at her feet was to honour the local culture. If you look carefully, you’ll realise that the lady literally embodies the sunset and is staring into the cosmic clouds.

How different was your experience painting in India as compared to around the world?
From my experience, it’s been a lot more casual and supportive here. There are fewer permissions and requests involved, and it’s also easier to procure walls in India. When I first started painting in the country, we would just work on abandoned buildings or walls that didn’t seem to have any purpose. We only got into trouble once when we were caught writing on a wall that we didn’t have permission to work on. So, I just started asking for consent beforehand and realised how easy it was to get approval in India if you just requested nicely. It also meant I could paint longer hours with the entire neighbourhood backing me. In the U.S., it’s hard to walk up to someone and ask them, “Can I paint your wall?” There’s greater resistance there since people are apprehensive about everything.

Whose work are you inspired by?
I like Cryptik’s calligraffiti style. There’s a fine arts painter called Brad Kunkle who captures serene and dreamy imagery; I love his work. Sainer has always been inspirational as well. Finally, I would like to mention PichiAvo — they do a really cool blend of 2D form and 3D figures that I can relate to because of the traces of geometry in my own work.

Can you pick one of your favourite artworks that you have created?
It’s a piece called It Was Only A Dream that I painted in Sacramento, California. I think what makes it special is the context — a floating girl who’s sleeping in her bed but is in a really deep dream-state. The dream, however, feels so real to her that she is actually starting to float off her bed. I wanted to propagate the idea that dreams affect our reality and reality affects our dreams. And with the all-blue colour palette, the mural is beautifully balanced between being peaceful and surreal.

Watch out for our next piece in the series featuring French artists Ella and Pitr

For more artworks from St+art Festival:
Streets Alive
Only time can tell how long you can see this art
Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock Has Been Transformed Into A Gorgeous Art Canvas
Faizan Khatri Is Making Heads Turn With His Installation At Sassoon Dock
This Artist Duo Has Started A Riot Of Colours With An Imaginary Sea Creature
This Artist Is Turning Ocean Waste Into A Work Of Art

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