On 22nd April, to celebrate Earth Day, Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic showcased some incredible work done by Indian artists for the protection of Mumbai’s mangroves. By using intricate paper craft and mosaic, to digital illustration and animation, these artists have brought to life their concern to protect Mumbai’s precious ecosystem.
Nayan Shrimali & Vaishali Chudasama
Our first feature is by Nayan & Vaishali @nvillustration, a duo of bird lovers and wildlife conservationists who created this breathtaking artwork with a mix of watercolour painting and intricate paper craft:
“This Miniature Paper cut diorama showcases 17 different species living in the Mangroves of Mumbai. This artwork depicts an environment not just as a terrain or a beautiful scene but as a precise balance of flora and fauna which keeps our ecosystem running. We humans depend on them and they help us in thriving. The bottomline is our economy depends on the ecosystem of our planet and it will never be other way round.”
– Nayan Shrimali & Vaishali Chudasama
Mira Malhotra
Our next #EarthDay feature is by Mira @kohlakult who illustrated this beautiful depiction of how we all need to work together to protect Mumbai’s mangroves:
“Mangroves are a vital part of the Mumbai ecosystem. Not only are they good for us humans, protecting us from floods, keeping our water clean, and sustaining a seafood supply, but they’re also home for countless kinds of birds, mammals, fish, insects and living things in between.
The mangroves protect so many – but do we protect our mangroves? This illustration shows flamingos, otters, crabs, butterflies and fireflies surrounding and protecting their home, urging us to do the same.”
– Mira Malhotra
Afrah Shafiq
Our next #EarthDay feature is by Afrah @loveandotheroutdoorgames who has worked with mosaic, glass, paint and old magazines to create this outstanding animated collage that draws attention to the sound these magical mangroves make:
“Mangroves defy all the usual rules of plant life. It’s almost like they are the dissenting outliers of their species. The rules say trees can’t grow in saline mud, but they make it happen. Roots usually go into the ground, but in the mangroves roots rise above. Trees are usually silent but these ones are constantly popping and crackling. For every challenging condition thrown upon them, they adapt, they innovate and they thrive. I find that quite inspiring.”
– Afrah Shafiq
Svabhu Kohli
Our next #EarthDay feature is by Svabhu @svabhukohli whose dazzling ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’ captures the essence of why we need to preserve Mumbai’s precious mangroves:
“Mangroves are one of the fastest declining forests of the world – often consumed and considered expendable in our race to develop and engulf our coastlines. Their immense importance in protecting our shores from floods and sustaining our fisheries, forgotten.
– Svabhu Kohli
Through this ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’, my artwork focuses on the astonishing biodiversity these forests, that belong to the water, hold within their entangled roots and mysterious canopies. Mumbai’s urban jungle is home to a forgotten forest that not only allows the city to persist, but also creates room for nature to coexist and flourish.”
Anjali Mehta
Our next #EarthDay feature is by Anjali @anjalimehta92 who has illustrated this impactful postage stamp for Mumbai’s mangroves as a part of her ‘Enroute Extinction’ series that highlights endangered species of the Indian subcontinent:
“I have always been enthusiastic about creating art with a purpose. In 2018, a tigress was killed in Mumbai which led me to start my ‘Enroute Extinction’ series, a project where I focus on illustrating endangered species of the Indian subcontinent. My aim is to spread more awareness on the need for wildlife conservation and to remind people that if we don’t take prompt actions we will lose these assets we are proud of forever.
– Anjali Mehta
Since Mumbai’s mangroves themselves are in danger, along with the countless species they are home to, it seemed a perfect fit for the series and something I wanted to raise awareness of as their conservation requires swift measures to be taken. If mangroves are saved, Mumbai will be saved. Otherwise, with rising sea levels, this city will collapse like a house of cards.”
Michelle Poonawalla
Our final #EarthDay feature is by Michelle @michelle_poonawalla! Her enchanting art on canvas paints a picture of how fragile Mumbai’s precious ecosystem is, and how we must preserve it for our future generations:
“This painting depicts a flutter of butterflies in a lush green mangrove forest, a precious and intrinsic part of Mumbai’s ecosystem and natural beauty.
– Michelle Poonawalla
The butterfly has often been a motif of my work and highlights the beauty of nature, whilst also showing the fragile and delicate predicament humanity has created for the natural world we encroach upon. The ephemeral and transient life of a butterfly represents these interactions and shows our need to maintain and preserve it as custodians for future generations.”
Collectively, MMM and these artists stirred up a social media movement inviting youth to express themselves creatively through any medium and make art for the protection of Mumbai’s mangroves.
We have received a diverse range of entries from amazing artists over the last few weeks! This content is united on Instagram under a hashtag: #MakeArtForMumbaisMangroves
For more information on this activity visit: bit.ly/MakeArtForMumbaisMangroves
