Striking tribute to football legends Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Junior now graces Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha, Kerala. Timed with FIFA World Cup kickoff June 12. Massive artwork — about 1,000 square feet — crafted from trash,over 106,000 soft drink metal caps,on display on college's basketball court.
Goal was to honor these icons, possibly in their last World Cup,and highlight turning waste into art. P.B . Sanish, Sanskrit department faculty,noted college's past creative feats during previous World Cup. "This time we wanted something unique,showing waste can be art," he said. Project led by Ajay V. John,college alum juggling art passion with consultancy at Infopark.
John started six months ago,creating computer design of final piece. His alma mater backed him fully . But finding enough metal caps wasn't easy. Took two and a half months. Caps gathered from local shops,soda makers,even bars and scrap yards when shortages hit.
Next challenge: getting Plaster of Paris boards from construction sites. Once caps secured to boards,students spent 7-10 days painting,adding color to bring portrait alive . On World Cup's start day,boards arranged,revealing vibrant depiction of three football stars in national colors.
For John,project was another step in his artistic path. Previously made giant Messi portrait with chart paper during last World Cup. College's latest effort mixes creativity and sustainability...where does it go from here?
