Mural art adorns water tanks in Tirupati

Tirupati: For Ruchin Soni, mural art is not only a livelihood but a passion. Born in a traditional family of painters in Gujarat, he was on the job for about 20 years. He worked for many projects across the country, taking the art to new heights. For each work, he designs a new theme based on the project and the local importance.

When he was entrusted the work of beautifying the water tanks of Tirupati Municipal Corporation (TMC) as part of Smart City initiative, his thoughts have zeroed down on concepts linked to Lord Venkateswara. “Wherever I go I try to incorporate local flavour into my paintings. Here, for the two water tanks I have proposed two different paintings which were immediately accepted by the authorities,” said Ruchin Soni.

Speaking to The Hans India at his work place on Saturday, he said “For one water tank, I took up the mural of Kurmavatar which is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as it relates to water. I have mixed up this avatar with archana (Pooja)”.

Archana was symbolised with lotus flowers in a pond which resembles with other insects like butterflies and dragonflies. For another tank in the same area near Vaikuntapuram arch in the city, Ruchin choose the face of Lord Venkateswara under the theme of transformation of sky from day to night.

He was given a one-month time to complete the assignment, but it was taking a little more than that due to technical difficulties. In a couple of days, the entire work may get completed. While, he works with some other upcoming artists and assistants for his other works, here, he was taking the assistance of some local painters only. “TMC Commissioner C Hari Kiran and others were extending cooperation and encouragement which made my task easier,” he averred.

Interestingly, his wife who was his classmate also a painter and assisting him in all projects. He did his Masters in Mural Design after completing Bachelors in Painting. He also took up two international projects so far. One such project was sponsored by ICCR and the grant for the second one was given by Mexican government.

Ruchin has created several murals in India and Mexico including one in Mexico City as part of an Artist Residency Programme in 2013. He was also the part of Street Art Festival in New Delhi since its inception.

He painted murals on Patna Railway Station and Bihar Chief Minister’s house. Similarly, he painted Dhaula Kuan metro station in New Delhi and its food court. Having worked as teacher, visiting faculty and mentored prestigious projects, Ruchin Soni modestly said, “I will go with mural art till my last breath. I will take up the projects anywhere if they invite me”.