This engineer-turned-artist is curating India’s first ‘Motorcyle Art’ exhibition

Mallika Prakash studied engineering at Manipal and USC – but check out her inaugural “moto-art” show at the Peepletree Art Gallery, showcased in this edition of PhotoSparks.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 190 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Motorcycle riding is becoming a cult phenomenon in countries around the world. India’s first Motorcycle Art Show is being held this month at Peepletree Art Gallery, Bengaluru. “Moto art” is a creative expression of motorcycle aficionados and fans of outdoor driving.

The launch included Misfit Motorcycles of Pune customising Triumph motorcycle body parts with paint, markers and metal engraving (see video here). The exhibition also features photographs, water colours, audiovisual recordings, and upcycled art from discarded motorcycle parts.

Other activities this month include workshops on riding gear and safety by Moto Store & Cafe. The exhibition is slated to be held every year.

The art show is founded and curated by former computer engineer Mallika Prakash, who is based in Delhi and started riding in San Francisco. She has an M.S. in computer engineering from University of Southern California, and worked at Oracle, Fulcrum, and Silistix. She is now a full-time artist and curator, and joins us for an interview in Part II of this photo essay.

Along with these 15 photographs, we also present 15 quotes for all you “moto-holics” out there!

Driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive. - Hugh Laurie

You do not need a therapist if you own a motorcycle, any kind of motorcycle! - Dan Aykroyd

Motorcycling is not a means of transport but an ideology, a nomadic way of life. - Amit Reddy

My first car was a motorcycle. - Adam Carolla

When I'm riding my motorcycle, I'm glad to be alive. When I stop riding my motorcycle, I'm glad to be alive. - Neil Peart

God didn't create metal so that man could make paper clips! - Harley-Davidson ad

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

The perfect man? A poet on a motorcycle. - Lucinda Williams

To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike. - Valentino Rossi

When I'm riding with the helmet on, I'm invisible. - Brad Pitt

On a motorcycle, you can't really think about more than where you are. - Laurence Fishburne

Passing my motorcycle theory test gave me a disproportionate feeling of greatness. - James McAvoy

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself. - Stacy Westfall

The study of the art of motorcycle maintenance is really a miniature study of the art of rationality itself. - Robert M. Pirsig

Now what have you done today to pursue art in your passion, and passion in your art?

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!

See also the YourStory pocketbook ‘Proverbs and Quotes for Entrepreneurs: A World of Inspiration for Startups,’ accessible as apps for Apple and Android devices.