Writings On the Wall

With infectious optimism, three young men eke out a living in India's largest cities using public art to express their hopes and dreams. In Delhi, Azad paints film billboards as an escape from the destruction of his home and personal art by government bulldozers. In Bombay, Ashok paints traditional images to keep alive his Warli tribal heritage even though he's abandoned his rural life for the opportunities of the city. Throughout Madras, G Mani puts his name on posters idolizing a film star, gaining power and prestige at odds with his job selling peanuts. For some the public walls hold the most private hopes.