Frustrated by the lack of female representation in graffiti, a Santacruz-based artist is building the city’s first women-only graffiti community
Srushti Bansode with her new graffiti. PICS COURTESY/SRUSHTI BANSODE
Before Kalina resident Srushti Bansode quit her job last month, she was taking on work from halfway around the world as a senior analyst at a USA-based MNC. While her night shifts were all about corporate meetings, she’d head out to paint murals and graffiti across Mumbai during the day. Talk about moonlighting in broad daylight. But that’s not the only reason she doesn’t have too many friends to call mentors in Mumbai’s graffiti scene.
“Graffiti culture relies heavily on word of mouth. Unfortunately, there are not many women in these circles to talk about,” she says. That’s set to change with Bansode’s new initiative under the alias Synk. The 27-year-old will take budding artists under her wing and allow them to learn by observing her at work. “Male artists are often hesitant when a woman wants to join. Safety, public scrutiny, and flexible timings are some of the tallest hurdles,” she reveals.
The artworks have started drawing in curious young visitors
Will the girls succeed at the ambitious project, or are the concerns really writings on the wall? “Just last month in Navi Mumbai, two young school-going girls sat down next to a wall I was painting. I taught them the basics of holding a spray can. It was a sign I’m in the right direction,” she shares.
Vritti Kotian’s graffiti artworks. PICS COURTESY/@vritti_kotian
On the long journey, Bansode aims to bring onboard Vritti Kotian, another artist whose work has earlier been featured on Mumbai Metro’s Majhi Metro initiative. Safe to say, Bansode is determined to break the glass ceiling, or at least splash it with her graffiti initials, SYNK.
Log on to: @synk.graffiti
Graffiti gyaan
Srushti Bansode reacts to commonly asked questions and stereotypes
Check out pioneering female graffiti artist DIZY’s journey from Delhi to the world. Watch her give a train in Brazil a graffiti makeover
Log on to: Molotow on YouTube
Graffiti is risky business, women should stick to painting wall murals
The girls say: Women have an innate sense of safety. We can tell when trouble is simmering, and remove ourselves from the situation
Who’s going to protect you?
The girls say: We are not liabilities. Look at us as collaborators, get the work done, and leave.
You’re privileged; people are nicer to women
The girls say: That’s not entirely true. Women have to worry not only about officials, but also passers-by who can make us uncomfortable.
You can’t expect senior artists to take time out and train you
The girls say: Teach us the basics, and we’ll practise at home, on our terraces, before we take over the streets.
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