Now Playing in an Aspirational Design Catalogue Near You

Studio 360

Earlier this year, we introduced you to an Indian artist named Vijay Singh. For decades, he painted the bright, larger-than-life murals that showcased current attractions in Delhi’s old Bollywood movie theaters. But when digital printing recently put him out of a job, he had to find new patrons for his movie-mural artistry. Now he’s part of an emerging niche market for ex-pats who want to get in on the over-the-top romance and action of Bollywood flicks: custom movie posters.

Turns out the talents of artists like Singh have been snatched up by CB2 — the younger, hipper offshoot of home dcor staple Crate and Barrel. “In an effort to keep this art-form alive,” the company offered “limited-edition, signed paintings … on cotton canvas in a wash of colors ranging from henna to river mud.”

Alas, it appears “world map painting: brave new (old) world” has sold out — Bollywood muralists like Singh have clearly gone global.

Are you with The World?

The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.