Indo-Brazil street art

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Two artists — one Indian and the other from Brazil, Harsh Raman Singh Paul and Sergio Cordeiro — are trying to bring to fore the special bond that the two countries share with a cultural project Brinda — Brazil and India in Art, a street art project supported by the Brazilian Embassy.

It was almost two years ago when Sergio during his stay in India experienced the similarities between the two cultures that till now remains unexpressed through art in public spaces. Harsh says that after the initial conceptualisation, they planned to paint three walls in the capital. “The concept of which would revolve around the cultural unity that both countries share,” says Harsh, as he talks about the project.
The first wall they selected was at Hailey Road, Connaught Place. It has a theme of divinity and evil eye. “It’s the wall just opposite Agrasen Ki Baoli. Religion and superstition are intrinsic to both the countries. Hence, we have presented the God and the evil in the painting on this wall,” says Harsh, who has painted Ganesha and a demon with its tongue out with the inscription — buri nazar wale tera muh kala.
Sergio, on the other hand, has painted Our Lady of Aparecida, the divine Portuguese figure, and Carranca, a mix of a man and animal that is thought to be evil in Brazil.
The second wall, deep inside the Hauz Khas Village, is more personal to both the artists. They have tried to paint the delicate message of life — that one who is born has to die. “The two characters in this piece, one in a samba dress and another in saree, welcome death with open arms,” says Harsh.
The third painting, on the outer wall of the Hauz Khas Apartments, celebrates the cultural heritage of both the countries. “It’s a beautiful portrayal of the music and dance of both the countries,” says Harsh, as he adds that the project wouldn’t end with the paintings. Two documentary filmmakers are also filming it for a documentary that will release in March.