Bengaluru: Shock & awe to make babus act

BENGALURU: The sense of belongingness to the city and the people and to the problems faced by the citizens is the inspiration to 36-year-old Baadal Nanjundaswamy, an artist from Mysuru, to come out with innovative ways to highlight infrastructure shortcomings in the city. One should give back to the society at least in a small way to tackle and deal with the problems of the society by spending form his/her own pocket.

Depicting Lord Yama, lord of death on an unattended manhole or a death trap, a crocodile crawling out of water in the middle of busy road, dressing up median blocks as gift packs or atom bombs are some of his eye catching art work which have caught the attention of public and authorities. A problem that was not rectified, despite repeated complaints, was fixed within a day, he said with pride.
 

“I am an artist. When art can bring in changes why not make it an effective tool. I believe in getting the problem fixed and totally against publicity. I would like to contribute to resolve solving the problem. A crocodile, which mostly found in sea and river catches the attention of public. I am happy that the problem was also addressed,” said Baadal.

He says he cannot visualize the art illustration or installation unless he visits the spot. Based on the spot and shape of the problem area the appropriate and hard hitting art work can be thought about. Considering the water logging in the city he is planning to bring a boat with art work on it. He is saving up money to get one big boat, he added.

Next art work would be somewhere near Domlur where he has heard about stench emanating from the storm water drain. Depending upon the situation an installation will be planned, added Baadal said.

His first ever art work which attracted officials to fix the problem was in front of Mysuru palace. Fed up with water logging he drew a pool and invited people to swim. A picture or an art can speak hundred words and attract the attention of authorities to get the problem resolved.

But I am against any publicity and fear that too much of art work would bring deterrence among officials to act on it, Baadal said.