'Graffiti is the purest form of art'

Artistic corner

Multidisciplinary artist Harsh Raman Singh Paul has been changing the city’s landscape with his vivid imagination and vibrant art.

Known for contributing in urban art interventions such as Brinda Project and Quijote Wallah Project, the artist recently created graffiti art on two cars from Zoomcar at DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj as part of ‘Art with a Heart’, an initiative to raise awareness about women’s rights and empowerment. In a freewheeling chat, he talks to Shweta Sharma about the evolution of graffiti art in India and how it can be used as a tool for generating awareness.

How can art help in creating awareness?

Visual memories are usually stronger than those of words; and we are bombarded with visuals around us every day. Subconsciously, they get into our minds. So, visual art of any kind plays a big role in creating awareness. The world changed when TV and internet came and these are all visuals. And like it is famously said ‘A picture speaks a thousand words.”

What is ‘women’s rights and empowerment’ for you?

To me, it’s not about female or male; it’s instead, about an individual’s’ empowerment. We all live in a society where we tend to feel powerless against its system and norms. But with the kind of art I create I feel like one man is making a difference. By painting the streets of Delhi, which are seen by thousands of people, I feel my message has been communicated.

How has graffiti art evolved over the years in India?

Graffiti art has evolved tremendously over the last few years but is still at a nascent stage in India. It’s a big international art movement and will pick up the local Indian flavours and aesthetic sensibilities now that it’s here. Street art is about freedom of expression, it is the true voice of the people. And in a country like India, which has such a huge population and so many socio-economic issues, it will thrive. I feel, it will become the biggest counter culture movement in the next five years. It will be everywhere.

Once considered ‘rebellious’, graffiti is today being used to create awareness. What do you have to say about this shift?

Graffiti is like fire. It can be used to cook a man’s meal or can be used to cook the man. It all depends on the artist and what he wants to say with his art. The message will dictate content. Just like anything it can be used for good or bad. Only time will tell how it is used in India.

Is graffiti now looked up as being ‘art’?

Graffiti or the mere act of writing on walls is older than language itself. Man has been writing on cave walls way before there was any other art form or even the spoken word. So who is to say what art is and what is not? Graffiti is the purest form of art, which can be done by anyone. You don’t need to go to an expensive art school to learn it. All you need is a wall, bucket of paint and a message you want to share with the world.

What do you like to highlight through your works?

We are all children of the capitalist economy but we are also part of the most privileged species on the planet. We live in a world dominated by consumption and surrounded by giant advertisement billboards that makes us feel insufficient. I want to remind people of the beautiful intangible things in life for which you don’t need money. True happiness can only be found from inside us, it can’t be sought after through external materialistic things. I want to bring the focus back on the inside, where real happiness and truth exists.