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SURPRISES ARE GOOD
Being amused in a city is a good state of mind. It is the added element of surprise and wonder that heightens one’s experience in an urban space. And an excellent way to visually activate a public space is by sprinkling sculptures at unexpected places. So, don’t be startled if, while waiting listlessly at a traffic signal in Hyderabad, all of a sudden you see a metal frog jump up at you from the divider, because at the next one you may find a large alligator. Many of the crossroads in the newer parts of the city, and some in the older ones, have sculptures of animals
made out of scrap metal. These sculptures were engineered in preparation of the COP11 Biodiversity Conference, held here in Hyderabad, in 2012. After the event, they were moved to different parts of the city and planted at traffic signals, on islands and dividers. The metal sculptures, provide a visual intrigue, especially due to the rawness of the scrap metal. It is unconventional, bold, and may not be to everyone’s taste, but you cannot deny its ability to visually engage. The sculptures also create a sense of identity to the immediate vicinity and improve the quality of the urban environment.
Sculptures scattered through the City. Image credit : Sriyanka Saha
About the Author Nandini Ramakuru is an architect, graphic designer, closet artist and urban enthusiast. She is fascinated by design in all shapes, sizes and forms. After working for a couple of years in an architecture firm, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and explore other avenues of design. Today, Nandini works as a graphic designer at PAD, an advertising agency based in Hyderabad, where she deals with branding, packaging and creative marketing; while simultaneously freelancing as an architect. She also immerses herself in architecture and urban design writing based on her reflections and observations, and intends on pursuing this passion earnestly. Theatre and the performing arts is her new found infatuation. She has been a part of the theatre group Dramanon (Hyderabad) for over a year now, where she is involved in set designing and production. Nandini is accused of having her fingers in too many puddings, but she staunchly believes that all forms of design, creativity and art have an underlying thread that strings them together; and it’s important to recognise the commonalities, and let inspiration and ideas intersperse.
June 2016 | CITY OBSERVER101