THE WALL PROJECT
FAQS
1. what is "the wall project"
The Wall Project has a life of its own, being organic in nature it builds with us a sense of hope and belonging and by some natural process of preservation it breathes life till a new life is painted over it.
the basic idea is to create a visual or communication which stays in peoples mind or making those passing by - smile, cry, laugh etc etc. we want to give Mumbai city a character.
A identity which visual communication can do… thru color, form, design, shape, etc so it would be great if we can stay away from public service messages or any regional or political visual.
the wall project is a humble project and a platform - an interpretation of each individual to create a dialogue between all forms of arts and awareness.
2. how/when it started? and why?
The wall project started with a blank white compund wall, with an intense burning of “something has to be done to it”.
Set in an old East Indian village - Bazar Road in Bandra, colourful with people of many talents, all hidden in their tiny abodes. The first wall painted was the wall of Gonsalves House,in bazar road, Bandra which kind Mr.Glenford D'Mello allowed us to paint.
It was an initiative to add visual elements of colour, form and texture to a space, to make the area more alive and generate a feeling among people who pass by it daily.
3. it's an "open project" - what does it mean?
That means everyone and anyone is allowed to join in and play an active part in whatever way you would like to explore.
We believe awareness can create a better way of living, communication and a better way of looking at things around you.
the only reason people are coming together is because the wall project is creating an impression in the minds of people of diff mediums to come together and where you as an individual want to share what u have or know.
the basic idea is to create a awareness, but every individual has a diff interpretation of that awareness in their mind. art is one of the strongest medium to allow interpretations and we would like to leave it at that.
a project like this gives an oppurtunity to each and every person to create a communication.
4. how to find a wall?
The best way is to walk around, stroll around. you will notice some walls look dirty, unkept or lifeless. then you walk around to find the owner of the wall and ask for permission to paint his wall. You have to give them an idea of what you want to paint so that they need not refuse you. You need to be sensitive to the area and to the people living around. Advertising, foul language, drugs, religion, political messages are a no no.
Lastly, before they make up their mind you should tell them that you are taking responsibility for what you are painting on it and in case they dont like it, you will paint it back with their favorite color.
its an offer they cant refuse.
5. how to paint a wall?
Murals can also be painted on existing wall surfaces. Proper surface preparations must be observed to insure longevity of the mural.
A surface that has been previously painted will not be as permanent as a surface that has never been painted or has been stripped of all existing paint.
The surface must be free of any previous oils or silicones or paint may peel.
Since outside murals are subject to the harshest environmental conditions, color and paint selection is very important. Apex is recommended
Do not use water only for thinning. Outside murals exposed to weather need maximum film integrity. Too much water will weaken the paint film.
6. how to get others in your city interested or to support.
find a wall, and let every one know when and where, your support will reach.
7. other ways of getting involved(painting, conceptualizing, mechanics,moral support, design, co-ord, planning, documenting, photographing) also coming up with solutions on how to make this project more sustainable. you tell us... :)
8. BYOP - Bring Your Own Paint
9. Why do you paint in the streets?
why not? its a public space - where people of all levels/class use it equally for the same purpose - a common ground. some go by it faster, some slow down.
We started with private walls. We noticed that many walls were unpainted or not maintained and we approached people/owners and asked them if we could paint them. We are all Mumbaiites, with different perspectives of the city and it is amazing to use it as a canvas and paint on public surfaces where visibility is greater. So more people can see, enjoy, learn, share and smile.
its basically "have a great day" feeling we like to generate for everyone who pass it or live around there.
For example: for the "The great wall of Mumbai" - on tulsi pipe road - we had been eyeing that wall for so so long. So far we had been painting on walls of private homes, shops, schools, etc and We wanted to paint on major public spaces but thought that the process of getting permission was too daunting and bureaucratic. We were completely surprised when R A Rajeev, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC approached us. As He gave us complete creative control it was a dream come true. Around four hundred people came of all ages. Some were not artists, some were. It was about being inclusive and the turnout was great. this is just the beginning.
10. Is this a political statement for you as well?
no political statement. color to sooth your eyes and form to tease your mind, make you smile.
The Wall Project is different things to different people but it is basically about using the wall as a canvas or a medium in the just the way print or television is a medium. Wall art has always existed in India on temple walls, village houses or old Bollywood Art, which created a unique personality to each township. (rangoli, print on fabric, embroidery - diff forms of expressing life. )
We felt that we as young people were exposed to a lot of creativity whether in the world of advertising or art/design but nothing new and extraordinary was happening so we started The Wall Project as platform for creative output.
11. What kind of response do you get?
extremely supportive, enthusiastic and energetic.
makes you want to do more, share more, spread more.
and you realize, India is now welcoming positive change and is willing to grow and GLOW!
12. Who and/or what are some of your influences?
there is no direct influence. there is a will "to do". To do because you feel strongly about it. to do it together and to be sensitive.
to keep it "real" and to keep it "simple".
13. Do you feel the work you are doing is something that should be preserved or stay transient?
the wall project has a life of its own, being organic in nature it builds with us a sense of hope and belonging and by some natural process of preservation it breathes life till a new life is painted over it.
14. How can people get involved?
Join the Facebook Group! all past events with pictures and all are there. and all news or plans go on facebook first. ofcourse you may email us urgent questions that are not answered on facebook - info@thewallproject.com
15. Essence of The Wall Project?
A humble project that started out with a few enthusiastic people, is growing to be a bigger, better project.
through the wall project we have had interactions with so many different kinds of people and now we realize the potential each person has to change things through sharing and by taking charge.
the wall project has been a learning as well as an enlightening process for all those who have been a part of it or have been touched by it in some way.
its a collective that brings people of different cultural backgrounds on the same platform and empowering them to bring the best of themselves and those around them.
the wall project is a fine example of how one can add colour to life without tampering an existing space and add new dimensions to a daily routine lifestyle.
the wall project is organic and nature, is open to all, and has no boundaries - art, design, music, dance, etc
the wall project is constantly searching for more and new collaborations, new associations and more partners in crime.
A multi city nation wide project
16. How did u guys think of this idea?
Mumbai has high energy. everyone walks in a very fast pace. office home home office. We noticed that we were all taking the same roads again and again, and as you pass by a place often, every time you start to notice something new, and somehow we felt the walls we were passing by could use a dash of color. A simple thought like that led to the wall project and now a mass movement.
17. What did you want to achieve from this project?
It is an initiative to add visual elements of colour, form and texture to a space, to make the area more alive and generate a feeling among people who pass by it daily. Not knowing how people would react, the first onlookers came out slowly and curious to see what was happening and then slowly people and even young kids came out to help and play their part.
we have so far collaborated with Fine Art students of Rachana Sansad, Alliance Francaise & SOAP, Snehasadan,the Dharavi Project,UniTree,Slave Farm Crew, etc etc and now the BMC.
we have worked collectivly with a lot of people and are inviting more people to showcase their ideas/skills.
This process allows one to be more observant/sensitive about the spaces we use and move within The wall project in its own way tries to start a conversation, with no political or religious attachments.
18."Graffiti tourism" is a concept for travelers who want to come and do some (legal) art work in the city's public scape.
19. I know a good wall...
PUBLIC SPACES we are looking at more and more new walls - bigger, smaller, longer.... Subways and flyovers in Mumbai seem an interesting space to tap and make lively with color. We are constantly trying out new techniques of surface design/painting on the walls. We are open to more and more enthusiastic artists/non-artists from different fields to come forward to create innovative art pieces in public spaces.
20. Corporate/commericial projects
If a particular wall to be painted is a corporate/commercial wall or for a commercial activity, we generally encourage the artists to charge for their time. Also one can directly contact the artists via facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=9822921861&view=all
21. I am an artist. I got a call for commercial work from a corporate who contacted me via the wall project community.
we would like the artist to directly handle that query and working terms/conditions. If the artist wants to collaborate with other artists from the wall project community, they can also directly contact them via facebook.
22. we also encourage different organisations/NGO's to cross support each other if their objectives and vision overlap.
23. I have ideas to improve my city?
Ideas are always welcome. Feel free to share it with all of us. The Wall Project is a growing community of talented people from all sources of life, and there are so many unexplored areas for collaborations waiting to be tapped.
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info@thewallproject.com
www.thewallproject.com