Destruction of the Mind

Materials : waste cardboard, bamboo sticks, plaster of paris, sunboard etc

This fascinating art piece, named “Destruction of the Mind” was created by Shanvi Agarwal. It is characterized by its impeccable graffiti (created using posca paint markers), depicting major problems and disfigurements of society, such as climate change, sexism, nomophobia (addiction to smart devices), and the corruption of power and money, amongst many others. The architectural style and graffiti of the building are inspired by the ruined buildings of the decaying slums of inner modern cities, with its rusting bar balconies, ladder staircase, cement exterior (which was achieved using Plaster of Paris), and deteriorated metal fencing. These kind of areas is known for high rates of violent crime, overcrowding, and substandard housing conditions, thus accurately depicting the message of the model. The graffiti style used also originated from that area, often with controversial slogans - portraying unrest in society, large dropdown shadows, unique font styles, and the use of symbols. The surrounding of the building is heavily littered with garbage, overflowing the dumpster and attracting unwanted pests, owing to the constraints and helplessness of the inhabitants. A row of underlying, abandoned shops wrap around the front of the building, adding onto it’s sad and declining state. The building shows an apocalyptic and dystopian world, attempting to depict the deteriorating state of our minds and society.

“I really hope this artwork can open your eyes to the world around us and can make you feel something truly unique. We, as humans, should understand that other people may come from a very different background than us, and may have faced challenges we cant even begin to imagine. My goal was only to build more empathy and compassion in the person looking at it and I wish this had been able to achieve that. ”

Shanvi Agarwal