Spatial reconfigurations of art: mapping cultural engagement through public murals in Kerala

Public murals reflect community identity and social commentary, contributing to the visual landscape of the society. This interdisciplinary study attempts to delve into the impact of public murals, focusing on Trespassers art collective in Kerala and their involvement in social life and their role in shaping visual literacy. It sheds light on how these murals serve as dynamic cultural markers, fostering dialogue and resistance within the socio-cultural landscape of Kerala. By scrutinising primary texts encompassing selected public murals by Trespassers, the research uncovers the transformative potential of public art in promoting cultural engagement and thereby giving shape to a new visual habit. The study also analyses the idea of transience in contemporary art and how the transient nature of public murals becomes a part of the artistic process. Situated within the realm of cultural studies, this analysis underscores the significance of public murals as it directly engages with the everyday life of the public.