Art, Protests, Raps & More: Happening At A Street Near You!

Over the last few years, Indian youth have taken to adopting modern forms of self-expression, and this has led to the rise of artistes who are a) underdogs b) revolutionaries and c) defying the usual norms. Streets, today, come armed with power: to lead, to question, to change, to influence and to disrupt.

- Vinay Agrawal

They are throbbing and pulsating with a culture of their own—a movement and revolution that is no longer at the mercy of geographical restraints. The streets today are a pumping organ made up of races, ethnicities, minorities and subalterns as their vein, artery and capillaries. The Tahrir Square uprising is a classic study on how streets can enforce upheaval and work towards establishing a new order.

In the glossy world of fashion too, trends percolate from the streets to the runway. It’s called the trickle up theory. Luxe brands today are stepping down from their ivory castles and collaborating with street influencers to imbue a new narrative and vibe to their brand image. Like what Puma did recently by launching Suede Gully. Abhishek Ganguly, MD, Puma India, ascertains, “Indian streets are bustling with street styles and culture, and while the ecosystem is in its nascent stages, it is only going to grow from here. Conceptualised to amplify this culture, Suede Gully is an authentic music video that connects with the audience with its super cool street swagger. Over 50 years, suede has been worn by athletes and hip-hop legends alike, and now, with Suede Gully, we’re taking forward the legacy of suede as the symbol of hip-hop street culture in India.”

Across cities, graffiti artists are beautifying the walls once neglected. Streets, these days, are anything but silent. They whisper, talk, scream, rap, sing, paint and protest. Be it through the Besharmi Morcha (Slut Walk), Pride, ST Art and more.

Three people discuss their line of work and the maddening power streets can possess. Because streets have ceased to be streets now. They are the fifth estate.

Graffiti Artist, Zake