Appreciating Art
Appreciating Life

Wall of Gratitude

“These unsung heroes were the immunity system of our nation–constantly fighting the virus on ground.”

The Wall of Gratitude, painted across a 10,000 sq-ft wall at RPG House in Mumbai, is a heartfelt tribute to the Covid Warriors who worked round-the-clock during the pandemic. Featuring doctors, nurses, policemen, media persons, delivery boys and cleaners, the wall is an expression of gratitude for all the selfless hard work done by these brave individuals during these difficult times. The mural was created by renowned artist Sameer Kulavoor in 2020.

Chand

"This too shall pass, for it is just a phase, and we shall always have the moon."

A moon seen differently from different perspectives reflects how we are all in different phases of our lives and it is just the perspective one chooses. This beautiful artwork created and installed in 2021 in a suburban area of Mumbai, Bandra West, is a creation of renowned artist, Lekha Washington.

Cutting Chai

Cutting Chai, a drink unique to Mumbai holds a very special place in the heart of the city and its inhabitants. Literally translating to cutting a portion of tea into half, it is a smaller but punchier dose of chai that’s perfect for the busy city-dweller on the go, be it office colleagues bonding during breaks or strangers over politics and weather. Mumbai’s cutting chai is akin to the city’s lifeblood. Taking inspiration from this, the 10 feet high stainless steel and acrylic installation is an ode to the city that never sleeps and the tea that connects all Mumbaikars.

Yoga on the Sealink

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self."

The Sealink is synonymous with the bustling city of Mumbai and has made traveling easier for thousands of Mumbaikars who now save time daily. But how many of us have made use of this time to adopt a healthy lifestyle and lead a balanced life? Yoga on the Sealink is a metaphor for a fitter Mumbai, one that bridges the gap between mind, body and soul, and captures the artist’s hope for a healthy life for the people of the city.

Baby Face

Baby Head - City of Dream

The artist views Mumbai to be a city of migrants, a metropolis that is dynamic and ever morphing. He says, “Cities like Mumbai inspire and destroy. A baby's head is a metaphor of newness. The sculpture stands for the iconic events of this city, the people who live in it and who impact it. It is virtually a shrine that one circles.  As you go past, you see the visible and invisible, its daily changing faces. We all come to the city with a dream. Sometimes we carry with us the guilt of having exploited someone weaker. We also have a desire to leave a mark on city space. This sculpture is an act of mark-making.

Cameraman

Indian cinema has become part and parcel of our daily lives. It has, in its glorious 100 years, produced some of the finest directors, path-breaking films and exceptionally-talented actors. This sculpture is a tribute to India’s visionary film makers for their contribution to the field of cinema.

Mumbai Dabbawala

The ‘Mumbai’s Dabbawala’ has been a recurrent motif in the artist’s work. Made up of Stainless Steel discs, with lunch box in hand, Valay Shende’s Dabbawala represents the precision and punctuality with which the lunchboxes reach their destination daily. Studied by the Harvard Business School as a case study for service excellence, these tiffin carrying men epitomise the city’s unique work ethic and ethos.

Fisherman

One of Mumbai’s original inhabitants, the Koli fishing community has thrived in their traditional Koliwada homes that embrace the sea. Their love for the sea is reflected in their dress, dance forms, settlements and cuisine. With their distinctive zest and vibrancy, they helped develop the city’s harbour and coastline when it was a cluster of seven islands. The crimson of the sculpture is the artist’s tribute to their joyous, indefatigable spirit.

Tetrapod

Tetrapods are an integral part of Mumbai's seascape. They remind us of the reclaimed land, seven islands and its glorious history. This sculpture is a visual metaphor of the contrasts that define our city – the past and the present, old and new, high rises set against beautiful old monuments.

Waves

A tribute to a legend for his unmatched contribution to the world of sport. The waves of the Arabian sea symbolise energy, buoyancy, tranquillity and velocity. They represent the courage to overcome obstacles thrown our way in our daily lives with vigour, just like the waves that gather up again with renewed force after hitting the shore. Taking inspiration from the Arabian Sea, the 500 tennis racquets’ installation is an ode to Leander Paes’ story of triumph, grit and determination in the field of sport and the spirit of persistence that defines all Mumbaikars.

The Fruit of Resilience

Facing the iconic Bandra Bandstand, Coconut’, the eponymous sculpture reflects the spirit of Mumbai. Much like the coconut — tough on the outside, yet rich and nurturing within — Mumbai and its people represent resilience and compassion.
The sculpture underscores the metropolis’ strength in adversity, generosity, and the power of community.