Bahrain’s popular ‘3D couple’ have given the lowly cockroach a new lease of life with their latest artwork.
Indian expatriates Limnesh Augustine and Jincy Babu painted ‘The Royal Indian Cockroach – Roach Royce’ on their home floor, nodding to the invertebrate’s recent emergence as a ‘symbol’ of Indian youth.
The cockroach was thrust into the spotlight last month after comments by a top Indian judge, who allegedly compared unemployed young people drifting towards activism to cockroaches and parasites.
He later clarified that he was referring specifically to people with ‘fake and bogus degrees’, not India’s youth more broadly. But by then the comments had spread widely online, and in response Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and student at Boston University, founded the satirical ‘Cockroach People’s Party’.
The social media platform that aims to ‘give voice to young people’ has accumulated around 22 million followers since then.
Ms Babu, who is pursuing her Master’s degree in sociology and political science from Manipal University, was inspired by the discussions on the topic, as part of her course.
“During our college days, when youngsters heard a negative comment about them, their reaction would also be negative,” the 33-year-old art educator told the GDN.
“But in India we saw a different approach to the comments – a satirical one,” she added, highlighting that a negative response can often lead to violence.
However, a ‘thought-provoking’ approach using parody is more likely to bring about change in a positive manner not just for the youth but also for the entire community, she explained.
“The influence of social media as a tool has also come to light through this movement,” Ms Babu said.
“Digital movements are making a huge impact. For example, even when there were floods in Kerala, people started making online groups and everything was co-ordinated through such platforms, which made a big difference,” she added.
‘Roach Royce’, which measures 3.6m x 3.3m, took three days to complete and was brought to life using tempera paint – a fast-drying, water-based medium.
“Cockroaches are always seen as ugly creatures to be kept away. However, we wanted to give it a positive touch, in keeping with the spirit of the movement,” Mr Augustine, who works for Gulf Business Machines Bahrain, recounted.
Elaborating on the artwork, the 43-year-old revealed that they decided to add a saddle to the roach symbolising the community riding with it.
“Gen Z are the people taking up this movement and they are the future. The saddle symbolises our support for them,” he added, noting that it is the ‘ultimate Rolls Royce ride’.
Ms Babu added that the gemstones further elevate the roach’s status while the many colours represent India, where colour is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric.
The duo are ardent supporters of the youth and, in keeping with this spirit, will be flying to Kenya in August to teach 3D art to students at universities in Nairobi and Mombasa.
In the past, the two have participated in several international art events, including collaborations with the United Nations for more than a decade.
The husband-wife team holds the 2012 Guinness World Record for the world’s largest 3D anamorphic painting, measuring 2,294sqm.
Their recent artwork during the peak of the regional conflict brought alive the spirit of community during war and was around 4m wide and 3m high.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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