More such hoardings please
I wonder if you have noticed a line of people holding boards and posters, walking around or standing on pavements next to the Mahalaxmi Race course or on Marine Drive. The advertising media used (people) can probably be seen in many low-cost countries. Yet, I marvel anytime I see an interesting use of this.
Not many European countries would be able to carry this off, due to high labour costs. However, what they do better than us is using every ounce of public space. This need not, by the way, come at the cost of beauty. For instance, in my trips around Venice, I saw a couple of buildings which were being renovated, which would have been eyesores, if not for the billboards covering them.
Now, the same is being done in Bombay as well. Considering the number of buildings being renovated all the time, it’s high time.
Pic from The Invizible Man
Good post – neat look at urban advertising.
However, even here in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia – we have lots of human billboards! I see people holding large and small signs near Mexican restaurants, tax offices and jewelry stores.
not to mention all the free adverstising some guys are getting by making those no parking infront of the gate signs. HT is one the beneficiary.
Nick, good to hear about human billboards in Atlanta, I wonder why in front on the tax offices, though?
Akshay, yes, probably we could do an entire feature on those no parking shots.
Well its much better than looking at tattered brown gunny sacks. So what if its another onslaught of advertising, at least its not an eyesore. I do hope that they get much better in the presentation of the design on the prints. All the billboards in bombay look the same, a model, a logo and a product..come on people, do something exciting.
Nick, a few months ago I saw something liek what you are talking about on college kids but they had a TV around their neck..I think it was or a news channel. Was quite catchy.