The identity of a city, its unique characteristics, stories and eccentricities, are expressed every day, through food, architecture, and culture, in the city streets and in the people who walk them. Occasionally, these stories are brought to life for the world to see.
Doing exactly this is Bengaluru-based freelance illustrator Shikha Nambiar, who recently captured the essence of the garden city through 100 vibrant sketches. Her series, named #100DaysOfBangaloreByChica, beautifully illustrate the tale of the city that she now calls home.
Every illustration in this quirky series boasts a different aspect of Bengaluru that contributes to its charm, whether it is the blooming Gulmohar trees, nostalgic-appeal of the Blossoms bookstore or even the delicious Masala Dosa at Sukh Sagar.
After running out of favourite spots in the city, Nambiar began asking her friends for suggestions, and found new treasures to dive into. One such recommendation was the Sidappa Hotel. âI first ate there, and then decided to draw the place. Another great find was 99 dosas, suggested by a junior from college. I realised that generations of college students had been frequenting many of the same spotsâ. she shares in an interview.
Although Shikha has lived in the city for less than a decade, she manages to vividly capture the spirit of many different areas of the city, having explored parts of Bangalore she had not spent much time in before such as Malleswaram and Basavanagudi for the project.
Her unconventional handbook to Bengaluru makes one instantly fall in love with the city (that is of course, if they arenât already a proud resident).
You can see all of Nambiar’s illustrations on Sunny Skies Starry Eyes.
Featured image source:Â #100DaysOfBangaloreByChica
Written by Priya Unni
