Life Vest Under Our Seat', a gift to the city of Mumbai from the JSW Group
Shri. Aaditya Thackarey inaugurates the sculpture,
by young Mumbai based artist Siddharth Somaiya
Mumbai, 14th December 2020: Maharashtra Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment, Shri. Aaditya Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, unveiled 'Life Vest Under Our Seat' a sculpture installed at the Late Shri. Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk at Worli. The sculpture, commissioned by Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation is an artwork by Siddharth Somaiya in dedication one of the oldest communities of the city of Mumbai, the Koli Community.
The installation presents a young man on the cusp of an exciting but ambiguous future. He hears echoes from the past but also sees the promise that the future holds.
Sharing her thoughts on this gift to the city, Mrs. Sangita Jindal shared, "In a world divided by disease and despair, art offers hope and solace. As we get back on our feet after the Corona onslaught, it is a pleasure to gift to our great city of Mumbai Siddharth Somaiya's Life Vest Under Your Seat. Siddharth believes in bringing art closer to the people, making art accessible to the common man and woman. I would like to thank the BMC for allowing us to realize this dream project and Aaditya for identifying this apt location to start this conversation."
Artist Siddharth Somaiya has shown in galleries in New York, Chicago and Mumbai and enjoys making hyper-local works of art which blossom in the context they are in. Introducing the artwork to Shri Aaditya Thackarey Siddharth said, "Most artists barricade their works with ropes and chains. For me, the most important element is when people can come close, touch and feel my work so they can connect with it at a deeper level. I am thankful to the JSW Group, Mrs. Jindal and the BMC for allowing me this opportunity to share this piece of work with the city."
Inaugurating the sculpture, Shri Aaditya Thackarey thanked Mrs. Sangita Jindal's & the JSW Group's commitment to Public Art and also announced the new pedestrian refuge area at the junction.
By: #AzharKhan
