Last year, St+art, in partnership with @asianpaints, started an online campaign asking the people of Kolkata to donate a wall for a mural in the city. From amongst the entries received, St+art picked the exterior of the CESC substation in the neighbourhood of Patuli for its visibility and distinctiveness. The mural tells the story of artisans from Kumartuli, another Kolkata neighbourhood, who craft the idols of Goddess Durga for the annual Durga Puja. It evokes the unparalleled excitement and joyous anticipation with which the city awaits the festivities. But even more significantly, it pays homage to these artisans who bring to life the very essence of the festivities but remain in the shadows themselves. Pune based artist, @afzan_pirzade, (assisted by @rohmacrystalart) who was involved in the execution of the mural, spent time in the tiny, dimly-lit workshops of artisans in the narrow by-lanes of Kumartuli getting to know their process, their traditions, their trials and their tribulations. His time with them informed the design of the mural that celebrates often invisibilized artisans as well as Kolkata’s culture and spirit. This film encapsulates the journey and excitement of working on this mural and watching it come to life. #StartIndia #AsianPaints #DonateAWall #CityOfJoy #StartKolkata #Patuli
