“21 Migrants”
Ink on Paper
12 x 26 inches
2021
21 Migrants is one of two ink sketches which portray the human tragedy of the impact of the Corona Virus in India.
With the lockdown announced, there was a huge impact on the daily wage workers. The informal workers are the backbone of the Indian Economy from sectors across, be it constructing houses, eateries, cooking, and plumbers to various other jobs. The shutdown turned these people into overnight refugees. Poonawalla wanted to show what the people were going through and these migrants represent so many of the Indian migrant workers who have had to walk for miles to reach their home during this lockdown. The intention was to depict the fear in their eyes and the struggle for their lives.