A nostalgic look at the City

On the occasion of ‘World Book Day’, an exhibition of illustrations by illustrator and cartoonist Paul Fernandes, was inaugurated recently at the Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan.

The event also saw talks by architect Naresh V Narasimhan, photo artist Shibu Arakkal, advertising professional Sandeep Madhavan, journalist Nirmala Govindarajan; German Book Office (GBO) director Prashasti Rastogi and graphic designer Verena Gerlach. 

Paul’s book ‘Bangalore-Swinging in the 70’s’ was also launched. 

Prashasti Rastogi termed looking at the illustrations as an ‘enthralling experience’. 

She informed the audience more about the GBO since it was founded as a joint venture in 2008. 

Verena Gerlach, a graphic designer, said, “Book designing requires time.” 

 

She elaborated on her work, which initially involves planning a variety of aspects such as how many words should be there in one essay, how many essays, the kind of paper to be used, how pages should be divided and ultimately what the book should reflect. The first layout of the book is worked by hand and sketches are made, followed by a discussion with the publisher. 

Her work does not end till the book reaches the printing machine.  

The event then veered off into a musical narration of ancient Bangalore and its simple pleasures followed by a presentation by Naresh Narasimhan on Bangalore from its roots, taking the audience to a full 400 years back. 

He concluded by putting forth his public art project called ‘Palace-to-Palace’ in an attempt to compile the data collected on the history of the City. 

He suggested the use of paint to remember the fort as he wanted to bring down, what was started in Delhi, to Bangalore. 

Music and the narration by Paul once again correlated. 

He spoke about the Dewar’s Bar which was earlier the hangout of youngsters and more about a man named Bhaskar, who was the only waiter there. 

The bar was located near the Bamboo Bazar in 1936. 

A few words by Shibu Arakkal conveyed many other ideas about old Bangalore. 

There was also a display of his pictures which he took on a 30-dollar-plastic camera on medium format. 

Replying quickly to the questions in the minds of the audience,  he said “It’s the skill and talent that matter, not slinging a giant DSLR around your neck and calling yourself a photographer.”

The audience looked at Paul’s illustrations in sheer appreciation for the use of humour and nostalgia in his illustrations. 

“I can actually imagine Bangalore looking like this in the 70s,” they said. 

Some of the masterpieces of Paul’s work showcased in the exhibition are ‘The Jackal’s Wedding’, ‘Pensioner’, ‘Coffee House’ and ‘Uphill Task’. 

The exhibition will be on till May 7, 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm.