ride a bike

Thought behind the thought:
A few years ago I came across a quote by Hemingway: “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”

It took me back to days when most kids in India would ride to school. The cycle had an iconic place with reference to our wonderful city’s history. The day you got your first bike meant that from here on you were not dependent on anyone for getting anywhere. It is a shame that schools today have desolate cycle stands. Pune was the "cycle city" once upon a time and sadly we are left searching for safe zones where our kids can ride in safety. The all important liberation that a bicycle grants a child can be compared to nothing else. The cycle has been a focal point for many artists in their renditions of the city. I was instantly reminded of Milind Mulik's beautiful cityscape's where the bicycle makes a subtle almost poignant appearance. A mere bicycle holds an important place in our hearts. The bicycle was a reflection of the pace and demeanour of our city. It gave us our limited yet all important freedom. It liberated us to a degree yet kept us involved in the mundane goings-on of the city. Cycling allows you to really taken in the sights, smells and sounds of where you are. Like Hemingway says cycling allows you to slowly absorb and savour your surroundings and it taught one the true meaning of living in the moment.

About the art:

Milind Mulick is a very well known artist in the contemporary art scene in India today. He has been drawing since the age of five and became an accomplished artist by the age of 13. His mastery in water colours is mesmerizing. He makes an instant connection with his audience and one feels like they are a part of the story that’s being told. Two of his subjects namely the nondescript cycle and a wet road have such interesting dialogues with the onlooker that one is drawn into the scene. His paintings are such vivid documentations of the city that one is not limited to seeing the visuals but you actually get the glimpses of the soul of the city.


credits: http://www.milindmulick.com/