From theatre to scrap art: How Lost Kids Garage wows Kappa CULTR audience | Watch
In the heart of Kappa CULTR, a vibrant music festival held in Kochi, Kerala, there was a space that drew festival-goers away from the music and into a world of creativity, imagination and wonder. This was the domain of Lost Kids Garage (LKG), a collective of passionate artists, builders and designers who have mastered the art of transforming discarded objects into interactive, kinetic masterpieces. What began as a group of theatre enthusiasts has now evolved into a groundbreaking project that redefines the concept of scrap art.
The journey from theatre to scrap art
LKG’s story is a unique one. It’s a tale of unstructured creativity, driven by curiosity and an unwavering desire to make something new out of nothing. Their origins lie in different sectors, where they first began experimenting with creating props and sets. But as the collective grew, so did their imagination.
"We started with theatre, then went on to singing, painting and later we started experimenting with 3D art. Our passion for making something new and unexpected led us to scrap art,” shared Shanto Antony, the founder of LKG. He explains how their work evolved over the years, moving from basic theatre props to intricately designed sculptures made from everyday objects that would otherwise be discarded. From there, the group discovered the magic of kinetic installations: pieces that move, interact, and change in real time.
Art materials, not scrap materials
What makes LKG’s work truly remarkable is their ability to create art from scraps of old clothes, car wipers, cycle chains, pulleys, metal bits and other discarded materials. Rashi, an artist who specialises in working with soft materials, spoke about how she approaches her creations.
"I don’t plan out my designs. I simply get scrap cloths and mix and match them to make something unique. For me, these materials have life, just like how Mr Bean cares for his teddy bear. Puppets, for example, hold a special place in my heart because they make people feel like children again,” she said. Her personal connection with her art is what breathes life into each creation, allowing it to tell a story and connect with the audience.
Similarly, Stanu Stalin, who has a background in costume design, shared his process. "When I create something, I don’t think of it as just an artwork. I think about how I can make it move, how I can make it interact with the audience. Movement is key. We love making complex things come to life," he explained. Stanu's work focuses on integrating simple technologies—like pulley systems and mechanical parts into their installations to create dynamic, moving sculptures that capture attention and awe.
Bringing magic to the audience of Kappa CULTR
Their work caught the attention of Kappa CULTR attendees, who were amazed by the unique, engaging installations. "We see people coming up to us, excited, and their faces light up as they watch the movement in the art," Shanto added. "It's not just about the art; it's about the interaction with the audience. We love seeing them connect with our work and become kids again in the process."
One of the highlights of their display was the collaboration between the artists and the audience, who were invited to become part of the artwork itself. Each piece was designed to inspire curiosity and participation, creating an immersive experience for everyone involved.
The magic of LKG’s art is not just in the final pieces, but in the way the group works together. "We never think of art as belonging to just one person. It's a group effort, a collaboration between all of us," said Shanto. The team includes core members like Shanto Antony, Stanu Stalin, Govind Palakkal (who loves working with machines), Arjun Sasikumar (the technical expert), Rashi (who specialises in soft materials) and Shajil Padiyoor (a professor who helps educate and interact with the audience). Together, they create artwork that pushes boundaries and challenges the conventional.
Rashi’s sentiment is echoed by Deepu, celebrity choreographer who was drawn to their space at Kappa CULTR and tried his hand at scrap art for the first time. “I came here out of curiosity, and what I saw completely blew me away,” Deepu said. "The way they blended different materials to create props for events or performances was inspiring. I’m learning from them and enjoying the process, and I want more people to see this kind of art.” He shared that he loved the time spent at the art space where he created a cute puppet.
Message from LKG
The most powerful message that LKG imparts through their work is how they redefine what is considered "trash." By upcycling discarded materials into vibrant, kinetic art, they challenge societal norms and encourage people to see potential in objects that are typically thrown away. "It's about seeing beyond the surface. We look at everyday materials and see how they can be transformed into something meaningful," said Shanto.
Their artwork displayed "Akkadha Alla Ee Kadha" (This is not that story), was a testament to their journey of creativity and transformation. The installations at Kappa CULTR told stories through kinetic motion and were a celebration of the lost, discarded and forgotten objects that, when put together, became part of something greater.
As Kappa CULTR came to a close, it was clear that Lost Kids Garage had made a lasting impact. The group, with their dedication to creativity and upcycling, continues to inspire not only the local community but also visitors from all over the world. They are constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what art can be, with a promise to keep creating new and innovative works.
“We never repeat artworks. Every time, we create something new based on the raw materials we find. It’s always about what we get, how we use it, and how we can make it move,” concluded Stanu.
As they continue to explore new ways to connect with their audience, it’s clear that their art will always be a celebration of creativity and the magic of transformation.