Urban Harmony: Bringing Bangalore to Life Through Warli Art

Google and EkiBeki

Ekibeki is a design and social enterprise that emphasizes sustaining traditional crafts by integrating them into contemporary contexts. We typically use design thinking and innovative strategies to help traditional crafts evolve while preserving their cultural essence.

It was early in August 2024 that we started discussing using the empty wall in Google’s conference room to create a wall mural. 

The brief was clear. Depict the Community, Googlers, Animals, Pets, Nature, Sports, Welcoming new idea, Blend of traditional and contemporary, Accessible tech, Diversity, Human experience, Urban setting, Traditional to modern, Activities, Occupations, Bangalore, traffic, Google, green city, lakes, and all things Bangalore.

Uh oh! 

The Vayeda Brothers- the collaboration

Warli is a form of tribal art from Maharashtra, India, known for its simple, geometric shapes, circles, triangles and squares that represent scenes from daily life, nature, and folklore. Shapes that tell the story of daily life, rituals and the tribe's deep connection to the earth.

The Vayeda Brothers, Mayur and Tushar, are celebrated contemporary Warli artists from Ganjad village, Maharashtra, known for their innovative interpretation of traditional Warli art. For such a complex remote project, our clear choice were the Vayeda Brothers, with their extensive experience and skills that provide the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring a seamless connection between the past and the future.

The Vayeda Brothers' contemporary Warli interpretation added depth and narrative to the mural:

• Traditional Techniques: Maintaining authenticity by adhering to traditional Warli forms, symbols, and storytelling.

• Modern Influences: Adding dynamic compositions and urban themes to make the artwork resonate with present-day audiences.

Their accolades and experience bring credibility and richness to the artwork, ensuring it is not only visually stunning but also culturally significant.

The Google wall

EkiBeki decided to give meaning to more than the wall, we decided to depict the Bangalore skyline. 

A city that still has lower commotion. That retains its greenery, where the people are more dog walkers than running the rat race. We needed to depict that tranquility, and commemorate the city in its true form.  

Urban Harmony: A Warli Perspective

This project by EkiBeki for Google is an inspiring fusion of art, tradition and contemporary themes.

Here is a closer look at the cultural significance of this project.

The mural encapsulates Bangalore's unique essence—a city known for its greenery, lakes, and progressive yet deeply cultural identity. By using Warli art, the artwork seamlessly integrates tradition with modernity, aligning perfectly with both Bangalore's ethos and Google's vision of inclusivity, innovation, and harmony.

Key Themes in the Mural

1. An Ode to the city:

   1. The use of Warli art emphasizes the interconnectedness of human life, animals, and nature.

   2. Depictions of dog walkers, urban parks, and trees bring to life Bangalore's tranquil, green environment.

   3. The bustling energy of Bangalore's traffic, with its mix of modern and traditional modes of transport, reflects  the  city’s  fast-paced  yet  deeply  rooted  identity.  Surrounding  these  scenes,  symbolic representations  of  accessible  technology  and  human  experience  blend  seamlessly  with  age-old practices, emphasising the embrace of new ideas while preserving heritage. 

2. Urban Living:

   1. The vibrant chaos of Bangalore’s traffic is contrasted with the serenity of its green spaces.

   2. Traditional Warli motifs blend with urban imagery, reflecting a city balancing modernity with tradition.

3. Diversity and Inclusivity:

   1. Various scenes highlight the cultural richness of Bangalore, echoing the spirit of Google’s diverse community.

   2. The inclusion of different occupations, activities, and accessible technology reinforces the mural’s modern relevance.

4. Technology and Progress:

   1. Representations of Google’s emphasis on innovation are subtly woven into the mural, showing technology as an enabler of community and connection.

      
      

Do take a moment to browse through the photos and spot the landmarks that every local would recognize. From iconic traffic scenes to lush green spaces, we hope this mural captures the true essence of Namma Bengaluru, bringing its vibrant spirit alive on the wall.

Impact of the Mural

• Cultural Preservation: Showcases traditional Warli art, ensuring its continued relevance in modern settings.

• Community Engagement: Inspires reflection on how urban living can harmonize with nature and heritage.

• Visual Identity: Offers a unique and meaningful addition to Google’s workspace, blending creativity with local identity.

Here are some glimpses

No Project Too Small: Bringing Traditional Art to Every Space

At EkiBeki, we are passionate about making traditional art forms a part of everyday life. Whether it’s a cozy corner in your home or a sprawling corporate office, every project matters. Big or small, we’re here to create bespoke murals that celebrate heritage while complementing modern spaces. Call us to bring this vision to life, click here!