Mon Mar 03 03:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru’s Shifting Sands: A Photographer Documents the City’s Identity Through Flex Banners

**Bengaluru, March 3, 2025** – For over 15 years, photographer Ravikumar Kashi has been meticulously documenting Bengaluru’s ephemeral visual landscape, specifically its ubiquitous flex banners. His project, which has yielded 7,000-8,000 images, offers a unique perspective on the city’s evolving socio-cultural and political identities.

Kashi, who teaches art appreciation at RV College of Architecture, initially began photographing the banners as a teaching tool, showcasing the principles of visual language. However, his project evolved into a significant archive reflecting Bengaluru’s transformation. His work, published in the bilingual essay collection “Flexing Muscles” (2019), explores how these temporary advertisements reveal shifting power dynamics and cultural narratives.

Kashi’s photographs reveal how flex banners are utilized by various groups to assert their identities. Pro-Kannada groups, for instance, leverage them to express their concerns about linguistic marginalization amidst the city’s rapid growth and influx of non-Kannada speakers. The omnipresence of Dr. Rajkumar’s image, a symbol of Kannada identity and the Gokak movement, highlights the ongoing linguistic and cultural politics.

The placement and imagery of these banners are also revealing. The central positioning of Mahatma Gandhi, contrasted with the often peripheral placement of women, speaks volumes about power dynamics. Similarly, the proliferation of statues, with a significant overrepresentation of male figures, reflects broader societal trends. Kashi’s documentation of over 800 statues in Bengaluru revealed only 11 were of women.

Kashi’s project goes beyond simple documentation; it’s a living archive reflecting the city’s changing demographics, political landscape, and assertion of identities. His work serves as a compelling visual history of Bengaluru, reminding us that even temporary displays hold lasting significance. His recent talk at the Alliance Literary Festival highlighted these themes, emphasizing the subtle yet powerful messages conveyed through these often overlooked aspects of urban life.

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