Art on wheels

Designing skateboards for a purely ornamental purpose is not something the wood carvers of Mahim would have had on their agenda. Tobias Megerle,however,changed that when he contacted them for an unusual project. An established artist but first time curator,Megerle was selected by a panel of eminent personalities through an ongoing project at The Loft,called ‘Solicited Perspectives’,aimed at helping develop the careers of emerging curators. As a part of the initiative,the four finalists,including Megerle,were offered 21 days of working space and mentored by Anupa Mehta.

“On my very first time in Mumbai as I drove through Mahim,I was fascinated by the workshops of the wood carvers. Then I heard about ‘Solicited Perspectives’,and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something with them,” he recalls. Wanting to combine the traditional work of the wood carvers with something familiar to him,Megerle arrived at the idea of a skateboards as works of art. “At first the wood carvers were not convinced,but after one of them agreed,others came on board too.” The exhibition titled ‘Final Cut’,on at The Loft,Lower Parel,from March 26 to April 12,will showcase 12 beautifully crafted skateboards,fitted with wheels. Also on display are photographs of each of the wood carvers with his creation.

Speaking of his experience of working with these craftsmen,the German artist says,“It was great. At first,it was a bit unusual for me,but now all the wood carvers greet me like an old friend.” Uncommon as the subject of the exhibition may seem,Megerle must be lauded for bringing these marginalised artisans into the limelight.