Colorful way to protect wetlands : Coimbatore’s wetlands depicted in vibrant murals at Ukkadam Art District
In a call to protect Coimbatore’s dwindling wetlands wriggling with aquatic life, the third edition of St+art India Foundation’s art intervention, themed on wetlands and biodiversity is now open to the public. It features three colourful murals painted by artists like House of Berserk, Anha Ras, and Senyensen Collective.
St+art India has been working with Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) and Asian Paints on developing the Ukkadam Art District for three years.
Coimbatore is known for its many lakes. Historians often describe the city as a beautiful woman adorned with a garland of navaratnams represented by the lakes of River Noyyal. The river begins its 167 kilometre-long journey from Kooduthurai near Aalandurai and joins the Cauvery near Karur, filling up over 30 tanks along the way.
Many lakes are choked with plastic and industrial waste. However, these water bodies continue to provide a stopover for migratory birds. In fact there have been several rare sightings that have enthused the birding community who fervently hope the lakes remain a biodiversity hotspot.
With inventive use of colours and vibrant depictions of migratory birds, and water creatures, the murals created by various artists and illustrators draw attention to conservation.
House of Berserk is Priyanka Thaker, an architect, illustrator and muralist. Based out of Ahmedabad, she says, House of Berserk is essentially a story-telling studio. The artist’s work is an expression of coexistence of varied life forms, especially in the digital era. “There is a strong narrative in every work and a lot of research goes into building that narrative,” says Priyanka.
Malaysian street artist Andha Ras, best known for large-scale murals in figurative style, takes inspiration from the rich aquatic life in Tamil Nadu’s wetlands.Fish is the main subject in his mural. It is an artist’s impression towards the magical scenery underwater and some of the species of fish that can be found only in the wetlands of Coimbatore.
