Auto art
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Auto Art is a form of neo-romanticism emerging in the Indian sub-continent of Asia. Most famously, the recent exposition and photo-essay about this art form by amateur photographer Kevin James Green, has brought this relatively unknown medium of expression to the forefront, and high critical acclaim among both the media and art lovers alike.
What began as an amateur portrayal of local Hyderabadi street art, went on to spawn more sophisticated computer generated images for all kinds of vehicles, and was soon to become one of the best-loved personalizations of people's cars in India.
The original rickshaws were pulled by "rickshaw-wallas", who had a thankless job, and poorly paid by miserly patrons. A vestige of the British rule in the region, where firang (coloured), Sahibs were transported distances in the sweltering Indian heat; by barefooted semi-clad rickshaw pullers.
There were two types of these rickshaws. The first was a basic hand cart, which looked similar to a large wheelbarrow towed in reverse. And the other, a newer variety which had a bicycle attached to the front. Both these gradually gave way to the internal combustion engine in the early 80s.
In local parlance, the term "Auto" is an abbreviated version for an "Autorickshaw", which is a motorized public transport carrier. Its unique design includes 3 wheels, side open doors, a canvas roof, and a mechanical billing meter facing the passenger side.
These "autos" are operated by semi-skilled drivers, whose reputation for flouting traffic regulations precedes their safety record.
The Art in question - is the oil-paintings on the rear side of the canvas roof of these vehicles, done by local street artists, who also paint the numbers on the registration plates and personal statements of the driver.
For a brief glimpse of the earlier images captured, go to :
