about vartaphalaks...

the ubiquitous vartaphalaks which dot the older parts of pune city in hundreds, represent a fascinating case of public spaces which become sites of articulation of different kinds of agendas and identities, in an urban context. vartaphalaks generally serve as visual markers of the collective that exists in the precincts of that notice board. this could be local branches of political parties, youth collectives, residential collectives, auto rickshaw drivers’ unions and so on. the various symbols and imagery that is inscribed in and around these spaces and the content and the rhetoric of the matter written on vartaphalaks make for a public space extremely rich in visual content.

spaces around vartaphalak

spaces around vartaphalak
kumthekar road, sadashiv peth
this is a typical space as defined by a vartaphalak. this message was written a day after the civic election results were declared, expounding on the topic of 'kartavya': It is but natural to be enthused by victory and be disappointed by defeat. However our tradition tells us that more important than victory or defeat is our duty

spaces around vartaphalaks

spaces around vartaphalaks
tiranga young circle vartaphalak, ghorpade peth

Saturday, September 22, 2007

What they say

The content of the following images is not political or non-political, spiritual or religious. It is mundane, ranging from cricket to erratic water supply to insurance for auto rickshaw drivers. But these are things which matter in common people’s lives, which is why these vartaphalaks come closest to becoming people’s spaces, reflecting their concerns, celebrations or anxieties.

The vartaphalaks also speak of a communal way of life where deaths and weddings are announced on the common vartaphalak. Where Urus of a pir or local festivals remain significant events in the community’s social life.
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