The Ghoda Cycle Project | Rickshaw

OVERVIEW

This high quality art-print on acid-free ‘Hahnemule paper’ is from The Ghoda Cycle Project which was originally a poster-book (now sold-out) first self-published by my studio Bombay Duck Designs, in 2012. The drawings from this series were exhibited at the Bicycle Film Festival in 2012 at WDC (World Design Capital) Helsinki. They were later part of a unique collaboration with iconic British fashion brand Paul Smith that resulted in four T-shirt designs that were available worldwide in 2013.

‘The Ghoda Cycle Project’ is a visual document of the myriad avatars of bicycles in the rural and urban landscape of India. The linchpin of ‘The Ghoda Cycle Project’ is to lay emphasis on the framework, structure, decoration and design of the cycles of India. Ergonomically these cycles may not be the best examples of bicycle design, but they have the strength to carry the hopes and aspirations of a big section of the Indian population. No wonder they are called ghoda (stallion) cycles. Basic necessities like cooking gas, milk, bread, newspapers and tiffin are delivered to our homes on a cycle. And then there are the mobile cycle shops that sell, among other things, tea, vegetables, waist-belts, ice-creams and SIM-cards! Its a display not only of sustainable living but also how a section of the society in India make a livelihood out of it. With customisation, adornments, embellishments and a bit of jugaad these cycles start developing their own unique personality, reflecting the occupation and background of the rider. And also collectively adds life and charm to the streets of India, where more than 20,000 cycles are manufactured everyday.

NOTE

This art-print comes un-framed in a sturdy plastic roll

DELIVERY INFO

Domestic: We are shipping all over India. Please note that due to the ongoing pandemic, deliveries to some states could get more delayed than others. It will take us 4-5 days to dispatch your order. You will receive an email from us with the tracking details of your package once dispatched.

International: For shipping outside of India, please write to us at admin@sameerkulavoor.com with product and destination details.

RELATED PRESS

Kulavoor executes the drawings in The Ghoda Cycle Project  with vivid detail and close attention to composition; flip-flops, metallic surfaces, fabric patterns, and local advertisements positively pop from the page. This is all presented against a plain backdrop with very occasional accompanying figures to provide a sense of place – the result is akin to focussing on a scene that might get lost in a densely crowded image, and ensures a fascinating and fantastically rendered glimpse of these bicycling livelihoods.

– IT’S NICE THAT

Mumbai-based illustrator and visual artist Sameer Kulavoor’s fascination with bicycles has resulted in a unique fashion collaboration with UK-based menswear label Paul Smith.

– INDIAN EXPRESS

Bicycles in India are truly multifunctional beyond Western imagination, which is caught perfectly by Kulavoor.

– ANOTHER SOMETHING