Film by Siddharth Achaya | B·LORE by BIC | Round 2
On the side of many cobbler (and other) kiosks dotting the footpaths of Bengaluru, is the recognizable portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The scale of the artwork is restricted not only by the size of the painting, but also by the spectrum of skills of the artists; however always with the intention to be a serious and respectful depiction. By virtue of variations in repetition, the portrait goes beyond being a symbol of unified identity, to also one of diversity in expression. The filmmaker has travelled around the city photographing these portraits wherever they have been found. The video explores this phenomenon a little deeper through the medium of film, while also suggesting that it might be interpreted as a new form of urban folk art. The continuous process of search and discovery, each time as exciting due to the variations in style, may also be seen as a new way to engage with and discover Bengaluru.
