The Anatomy of a metropolis

Mumbai is more than just a city; it’s a living, breathing mosaic of emotions, culture, and chaos. It is made up of the aromas of roasting bhuttas under the monsoon skies, of wadas and pav bhaji and loads of butter. Of the tangy pani puris you wait for with your plate held out for the assembly. Of holding hands on Marine Drive with that special someone. And the cacophony of autos, a metro, a monorail and the local train all in one journey within the city, transporting professionals, fisherfolk, lawyers and students every day.  

For those who design for it, Mumbai is a masterclass in contrasts. Architecturally, it is a radical juxtaposition: historical koliwadas (fishing villages) from the original 7 islands to gentrified mill land upgraded today. Shantytowns that jostle with soaring, glass fronted monoliths. An ever changing skyline with Haji Ali now nestling with the Coastal Road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. 

The Mumbai mural- represent this kinetic energy 

It started with a global investment bank and financial services company calling EkiBeki to create a mural. 

EkiBeki rejects the idea that traditional crafts belong in a museum, we see heritage as a sophisticated, adaptive design system. Exactly like the city whose continuous growth, cultural diversity, and architectural transformation illustrate how heritage supports resilience and a dynamic future. 

The brief rewritten: A mural that is not a passive ornamentation, but a monumental visual timeline. Warli creates a structural narrative to map Mumbai’s evolution from its agricultural and fishing roots to a financial superpower of the world's largest democracy.  

[ Ancient Tribal Geometry ] + [ Contemporary Urban Landscape ] = A Living Architectural Document 

Warli became a unanimous choice. Warli comes from the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, where there are settlements of an ancient tribe known as the 'Warlis'. Simple, linear forms communicate the tribe’s way of life, their social customs, the flora and fauna of their region, their occupations, harvest cycles and daily activities. Traditionally, the only color used in creating Warli paintings is white and the base is a mix of earth and natural stains like Henna and mineral colors. 

The concept- Up-scaling the Vernacular

For a city full of contrasts, cultures, and stories, we scaled a tribal art form into a massive corporate installation. The project depicting Mumbai as a Mumbaikar knows it proves that the minimalist, linear forms of our ancestors are perfectly equipped to communicate the density, speed, and scale of the modern world. 

Translating the intangible energy of Mumbai onto a monumental canvas required more than just technical skill; it required deep contextual mastery. We partnered with a troupe of brilliant local artisans who are actively redefining Indian folk art:

Amit Dombhare

Hailing from the historic craft hub of Ganjad, Maharashtra, Amit was trained by his father, the legendary Mahadev Dombhare. His work is revered in prestigious galleries nationwide for its razor-sharp precision, fine brushwork, and remarkably intricate spatial compositions. Amit brings a disciplined rigor to the canvas, ensuring every geometric line carries structural weight.

The Vayeda Brothers (Mayur and Tushar)

Also from Ganjad, the Vayeda Brothers are celebrated innovators, they hold the National Folk Art Award and the Maharashtra State Award for Excellence. They have made it their life's work to bridge ancient indigenous techniques with contemporary global influences. Their fluid, evocative interpretations invite viewers to see Warli not as a static relic, but as a continuously evolving visual language.

Their artwork serves as a vibrant homage to the state’s heritage, reflecting the beauty and resilience of its landscapes and community spirit.

Working alongside this young, deeply enthusiastic troupe, often late into the night as the walls meticulously came alive, was a profound reminder of the joy found in collaborative, physical craftsmanship.

Deconstructing the Design: Why it matters for modern spaces

The mural weaves a narrative of contrasts: the old and new, the quiet and the rush, the land and sea. It invites you to see the city not just with your eyes, but with your heart. It’s your Mumbai, painted in every line, every circle.

Here is how the collaboration with the investment bank, Incubis, and EkiBeki breaks new ground: 

1. Contextual Geometry

Warli’s foundational vocabulary relies entirely on elemental shapes—circles, triangles, and lines. By adapting these simple forms to illustrate traffic jams, maritime grids, skyscrapers, and galli cricket, the mural demonstrates how primal patterns can seamlessly integrate with the clean lines of modern corporate architecture.

2. Monochromatic Depth

Sticking strictly to the traditional monochromatic palette, the mural achieves immense visual depth without relying on color. The stark contrast provides an organic, tactile warmth that beautifully offsets the sterile glass and steel of contemporary interiors.

3. Narrative Spatial Design

Instead of relying on mass-produced acoustic panels or generic graphic vinyls, the wall becomes a living document. It gives the inhabitants of the space an immediate emotional anchor, grounding a global financial institution firmly into the local soil of Mumbai.

4. Contrasts and Cultures

Featuring Mumbai's iconic food culture, from pav bhaji to wada pavs. From its festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to galli cricket. The mural reminds us that the city’s identity is deeply rooted in its shared experiences.

The Mumbaikar’s wall

This mural is more than just art—it's a living document of Mumbai’s pulse, a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the city's magic. It invites Mumbaikars to find themselves within its lines, and for those who haven’t been to Mumbai, it offers an authentic glimpse into its soul.

It’s a tribute to the energy and heart of Mumbai, inviting everyone to find a piece of their own city within the art. If you do visit, take take a photo with what you consider “your” Mumbai.

Challenge your Canvas

True innovation doesn't require reinventing the wheel; it requires looking at the old ways through a completely radical lens. Every project you design, whether it is a compact residential nook or a sprawling corporate headquarters, deserves a soul. Don't just specify materials from a catalog. Collaborate. Integrate. Infuse your modern lines with the timeless intelligence of our indigenous craftsmen.

The future of design isn't just about where we are going; it's about how elegantly we carry our roots with us. Find out EkiBeki's design ideas for yourself and let’s co-create spaces that tell stories worth remembering. 

Explore Our Portfolio of Spaces

• Transforming Corporate Spaces: View EkiBeki Projects to see how bespoke murals can redefine your next commercial brief.

• Craft in the High-Street: Discover how we brought localized storytelling to global retail in our collaboration with Starbucks