Exploring Bhopal's Artistic and Cultural Richness through a Motorcycle​​​​​​​

size : length - 1413 mm, wide - 434 mm, height - 1100 mm

material : CPVC pipes, sunboard, corrugated sheet, chart sheet, cartridge papers, origami papers, three 3 volt bulbs ( yellow, red, green).

tools - hacksaw blade, paper cutter, hot glue, superglue, acrylic paint, posca markers.

The project aims to delve into the vibrant artistic and cultural landscape of Bhopal, a city that resonates with a rich historical tapestry. The chosen medium for this exploration is a model of a motorcycle, which serves as a unique canvas to showcase the diverse elements that contribute to Bhopal's unique identity.

The reason for choosing a Yamaha motorcycle for representing bhopal is that i have seen most of the city on this motorcycle it was a very important part of my childhood as everywhere i used to go on this bike with my uncle and when i grew up i used this motorcycle for exploring different limits of  bhopal. This motorcycle holds a nostalgic value for me and it symbolises my youth in the city.

Objective: The primary objective of this project is to unravel the intricate layers of Bhopal's culture and artistic expressions, encapsulating them within the framework of a motorcycle model. By doing so, the project aims to provide a tangible and visually engaging representation of the city's essence, highlighting the interplay of various communities and practices that contribute to its dynamic cultural mosaic.

The motorcycle model is intricately designed to represent distinct elements of Bhopal, each part serving as a symbolic representation of the city's rich cultural and artistic heritage.

The tank of the motorcycle will feature a detailed satellite map of Bhopal, capturing the contours of the city.

Iconic places such as the Upper Lake, significant islands, and popular food joints is highlighted using calligraphy in various fonts, creating an artistic map that narrates the city's story.

The motorcycle seat will embody the architectural essence of Bharat Bhawan, a renowned cultural complex in Bhopal.

Illustrations of different scenic spots within Bhopal, including landscapes, historic sites, and cultural hubs, will adorn the seat, creating a visual tapestry that celebrates the city's diverse beauty.

The motorcycle's headlights serve as a canvas to depict the ancient cave paintings of Bhimbetka, showcasing the rich prehistoric art heritage of the region.

The juxtaposition of modern motorcycle headlights with ancient cave art aims to highlight the continuity and timelessness of Bhopal's cultural legacy.

The base of the motorcycle is dedicated to representing Bhopal's thriving theatre and performing arts scene.

Miniature sculptures or artistic representations of iconic theaters, stages, and performers are incorporated to encapsulate the dynamic cultural spirit that reverberates through the city.

Integration of Elements: The seamless integration of these symbolic elements aims to create a harmonious and visually compelling narrative, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of Bhopal. The motorcycle, transformed into an artistic masterpiece, serve as a tangible and accessible medium for individuals to connect with and appreciate the diverse cultural elements that define the soul of the city.

Through this innovative approach, the project strives to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary representations of Bhopal, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the city's cultural richness among residents and visitors alike.

Full view of the motorcycle with all elements displaying my life in bhopal in past 20 years.

Shots of the headlight and speedometer, with prehistoric cave paintings of bhimbetka in headlight and the console of Yamaha RX135. the numberplate has "Bhopal" written in urdu.

Shots of the seat and fuel tank, with bharat bhavan on the top of the seat and illustrations of different sceneries of bhopal on either sides, with a satellite map and a railway sign board of bhopal junction. the tank displays the upper lake and a satellite map of bhopal. famous places, slangs from the local bhopali dialect, food joints are written in different fonts in devnagri script as hindi is the most spoken language followed by urdu and english.

Illustrations on the seat and rear wheel of the bike displaying different moods of bhopal and places nearby.

The element of Theatre and performing arts displayed with actors,musicians and coloured lights to create a stage like feeling on the base of the motorcycle which gives off the bhopal vibe of local performing arts and theatre.