Prakash Sonawane's last collection on the dabbawalas won him a Maharashtra State Government award earlier this year.
Travelling by train from Borivali to Churchgate everyday left more than just a lasting impression on the mind of artist Prakash Sonawane. After showcasing his much- acclaimed collection about the railway trains of Mumbai, he is all set with his new collection on the dabbawalas of Mumbai, the city’s lifeline. His last collection on the dabbawalas won him a Maharashtra State Government award earlier this year.
The artist talks about his two-year-long research on this particular show, “I have 12 works in total and they are a result of intense research on the life of the dabbawalas. I interviewed them and accompanied them on their journey and mapped out their problems.” In his exhibition titled Men of Steel, Prakash who is also a professor at the JJ School of Arts has used mixed media on canvas to portray a slice of the dabbawalas’ lives to the viewers.
Seeing the dabbawalas everyday at work and even accepting their unique services urged the artist to delve deeper into the subject.
Prakash explains, “I wanted to work from close quarters with them. I spent hours sketching them on the spot, while they went about doing their daily business.”
The artist closely observed the daily problems that they face while delivering the different dabbas to different locations in the city. The artist believes that this group is so professional that they have gradually learned to beat the odds. He points out, “None of the dabbawalas have cell phones. Yet they have efficiently learned to signal each other and pass on important information. They make limited conversation but know how to do their jobs efficiently.”
Men of Steel is on view till June 5 at the Strand Art Room
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