Despite all the controversies surrounding the video for Coldplay’s song ‘Hymn For The Weekend’, if there’s one thing that everyone unanimously approves of, it’s the colourfully quirky taxi that gives lead singer Chris Martin a ride around Mumbai. Taxi Fabric, founded by Sanket Avlani, is transforming the interior of Mumbai cabs into magnificent works of art by providing emerging artists with a vastly used by public but often overlooked platform. In a country where design as a profession is often frowned upon, Taxi Fabric has created ripples while changing the negative perception and has also provided an interesting canvas to artists who desire to have their talents recognized.
The interior of each taxi, from seats and doors to the ceiling, is designed by local designers, with the designs themselves being inspired by Mumbai. The benefits of this endeavour are several to both the drivers as well as the artists. Drivers report that after the makeover, passengers tip more. Artists in turn get to reach a greater audience as each taxi has an ‘identity label’, with the name of the designer and his/her contact details.
Calling this project one of the most innovative that’s been born in India in the recent past is still not praise enough. We at TYS might just have to make a trip to Mumbai to experience this wonderful example of travelling art!
