Trucks in India are more than just a means of transportation; they are vibrant canvases that tell stories, convey messages, and reflect a rich tapestry of culture — whether it's the colours and symbols that are influenced by diverse religious beliefs and cultures or the fonts that bear messages that range from safety reminders to more profound reflections on life.
'Har Truck Kuch Kehta Hai', a design project by Bangalore-based artist Priyanshi Khemka is a deconstruction of the kaleidoscope that is truck art. Dissecting it into colour palettes, motifs, fonts, slogans and illustrations, the project aims to bring attention to a marvel in design that we unwittingly ignore on the roads.
The roots of truck art is enriched in cultural history and values. The symbols and visual motifs often adorning the trucks as embellishments come from Indian culture, history, and beliefs, as well as the divine figurines that serve as portable mini shrines, offering a sense of peace and protection. Superstitions, deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche, also find a place on these vehicles, with lemon-green chilli hangings and black threads warding off negative energies. These trucks are not just vehicles; they are expressions of an Indian society.
'Har Truck Kuch Kehta Hai' aims to uplift this underappreciated art form, emphasizing the stories and emotions embedded in every stroke. This project strives to ensure that Indian truck art's beauty and cultural significance receive recognition and celebration beyond the roads. In a nation where design draws deeply from cultural aesthetics, Indian truck art is a vibrant testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation. It serves as a poignant reminder that art, in its most unexpected forms, can eloquently convey a society's values, dreams, and creativity.
You can follow Priyanshi here.
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