Creative Solutions for Potholes in Bangalore

Potholes and poorly maintained road surfaces often lead to significant stress and strain for local communities. However, as Indian visual artist Baadal Nanjundaswamy has demonstrated, there may be unexpected and creative ways to galvanize authorities into action to resolve these pressing issues.

Shortly after Nanjundaswamy released a video showcasing a space-suit clad figure ‘moonwalking’ over numerous potholes on severely damaged roads in his hometown of Bangalore, the authorities swiftly responded by filling in the holes. The video depicted an ‘astronaut’ performing a slow-motion walk over these pothole ‘craters.’ It quickly went viral on Indian social media platforms, where many shared personal accounts of pothole-related accidents in their own communities. Consequently, many residents expressed gratitude towards Nanjundaswamy for his creative endeavor to raise awareness about the issue. Although he noted that no officials had contacted him after the video’s release, the rapid repair of potholes highlighted the positive impact of his art.

This is not the first time Baadal has harnessed his artistic talents to combat the dangers posed by inadequate road conditions. In a notable project from 2015, he filled a particularly vast pothole with a life-size crocodile sculpture, effectively transforming a 3.7-meter hole into a vibrant, reptilian habitat. Consequently, this installation also captured the attention of local authorities, resulting in a prompt repair shortly after the crocodile sculpture was created.

While using art to shine a light on civic challenges might be perceived as a mere vanity project, Baadal genuinely views his visual art as a method of giving back to society. Given his remarkable success in prompting change through art thus far, it appears that this innovative approach is indeed effective.