In the chaotic city space we inhabit, the need for art to become a way of life has become increasingly important. Jeevan Xavier, with his moving installation of three decorative autos, intends to take art out from the confines of a contained, gallery space to public spaces and make it accessible. Since May 8, the three multi-coloured autos are going around the main roads of Bangalore, from Whitefield to Krishnarajapuram. Jeevan has made art that is democratic, right from the material he has used, the people he has worked with to the people he wants to engage with.
The autos are covered in rexine, with appliqué work, which has been made by a local liner, Chandrakumar. “I took off from work and visited clusters that specialise in auto interiors. That is when I met Chandrakumar, who has done all the lining work. It took 10 days each to decorate two autos and one month to decorate one auto. The challenge was to get the shape, curves and fit right. I envisaged it and created it so that everyone could get a glimpse of the autos, from any angle, from a bus and a building. So the lines had to flow from top to bottom. The design is multi-dimension, so it is more complicated.”
“I want to bring art to the public, particularly working class women and children, who are often home bound,” says the soft-spoken Jeevan. “This is people’s art, which is often associated with decoration. So this is decorative work.” “I take the autos wherever they do not obstruct traffic. I take them to junctions where people will be crossing, so that they can get a better view.” The art work has been appreciated by people from different backgrounds. “Autorickshaw drivers immediately relate to it. They are curious to know what the art is about and where it has been made. Urban youth also get excited and want to take selfies with the autos. And the locals accept it as art made for them.”
A textile designer by profession, Jeevan likes to stay true to his convictions. “I was in tenth standard when I decided to pursue design, at the time, our exposure was only to fashion design. I come from a background of progressive socialists. I remember my mother asked me one question. She asked me to who my work is for and if it made a difference to their lives. Let there be no contradiction between the two, she advised. At this stage of my life, I understand the contradiction she was speaking about. That is why I decided to create Along the Way ,1 because I wanted to make a connection, spiritually and emotionally with the people.” He adds that this is also a medium for him to communicate and interact with the city.
