My Science School

Giant, bulky trucks carrying heavy goods are a familiar sight on national highways. Their imposing presence often annoys other motorists on the road. However, the next time you pass one by, don't forget to take a closer look. You may be surprised to find that these mammoth vehicles are actually covered in colourful and ornate artwork.

From drawings of soaring eagles and blushing brides to catchy slogans and safety messages displayed on the sides, truck art can be traced back to the truck drivers of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It comes in a melange of colours and psychedelic symbols.

Why it's done

Trucks are often used to transport cargo and heavy goods across long distances. As they embark on deliveries, truck drivers are forced to leave their homes and families behind for months together. They spend long hours on the lonely, rambling road and are sometimes forced to sleep in their vehicles. In a way, the trucks serve as their home away from home. And just as we decorate our homes to make them attractive, the truck-drivers too brighten up their home-on-wheels with truck art.

A motley of colours

The art consists of signature colours, characteristic typography and woodwork with intricate details. Each truck is different, an expression of its owner, reflecting individual beliefs, values and interests.

Popularity

Today, the art form is no longer restricted to trucks. The style has become a popular expression of contemporary lture. Kitschy designs found in truck art are replicated on garments, cushion covers, crockery and other items of home decor. However, there are concerns that the truck art tradition is dying, as hand-painted artwork is getting replaced with stickers.

Did you know?

• Environmentalists in Kolkata launched an initiative to spread awareness on the importance of tiger conservation through the popular truck art on International Tiger Day on July 29.
• Pakistani decorated trucks ferrying goods to Afghanistan came to be known as jingle trucks by the U.S. troops and contractors.
• One of the most common signs you will find emblazoned across the back of a truck is "Horn, Ok, Please". It's a call for other drivers to honk when they try to overtake the truck; a long-standing tradition on Indian roads.

Picture Credit : Google

When one thinks of Leonardo da Vinci, his masterpieces "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper' come to mind. But did you know that the Italian Renaissance genius is equally famous for a tiny drawing of a bear's head? Or that it was recently sold for a record amount?

Titled "Head of a Bear, the painting is just 2.75 inches by 2.75 inches, which is roughly the size of a postal stamp. The teeny-tiny painting created a giant record by getting a bid of $12.1m at an auction in London, surpassing the previous record set by the "Horse and Rider", which sold for $11.5m in 2001.

So what makes this tiny sketch so speciál? Well, the answer lies in the technique. The painting is 500 years old and is rendered in silverpoint.

What is silverpoint?

This is an extremely fine technique that has no room for error. It involves applying a silver stick or a stylus to a specially prepared paper. In this technique, even the minutest flaw can leave a mark and ruin the painting. Imagine the amount of control and perfection required!

What makes it even more interesting is that the initial marks of silverpoint appear grey, but when exposed to air, they gradually change to a warm brown tone. This is because of the process of oxidation and it can take up to several months. The speed of oxidation varies according to the level of pollution in the air.

Another reason that makes the painting precious is its subject. Although da Vinci was interested in nature and animals, he rarely reproduced them on paper. He usually created portraits, landscapes, and works revolving around religious themes.

Provenance

Also, "Head of a Bear' is one of the few privately owned paintings of da Vinci. The sketch previously belonged to British painter and collector Sir Thomas Lawrence, before being sold at Christie's in 1860 for £2.50.

Backstory Born in 1452, da Vinci is known for his paintings and inventions. He dedicated his time to science, math, architecture, design, engineering, geology, cartography, sculpting and drawing. His artwork continues to fetch astronomical sums.

OH REALLY?

• Researchers have identified 14 descendants of da Vinci. Decades-long research has revealed that his relatives continue to live in Tuscany. The scientists are hoping to find answers regarding his genius by studying da Vinci's geneology.
• In 2017, a 500-year-old painting of the Christ believed to have been painted by da Vinci sold in New York for a record $450m. Known as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World), the sale represented the highest auction price for any work of art.
• Last year, an online bidder paid $98,000 to attend the annual examination of the "Mona Lisa", which is when the Louvre museum in Paris takes the painting out of its case for inspection.

Picture Credit : Google