The Step By Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking, Blank Noise (2008) was written in response to listening to the Action Sheroes / Action Theyroes experience of negotiating power while walking through her / their city streets. A decade and more later, the text was built as a mural project, instructing walkers to become Action Sheroes/ Theyroes with every stride.

The mural pilot project was built in Bangalore with the support of Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology, and the Karnataka State Commission for Women along with Bangalore Police , BBMP (2020).

Connect with Blank Noise to build a Step By Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking where you live.

Press: Bangalore Mirror

June 2022: Surprise Note

From an anonymous Action Shero visiting Bangalore

Last thursday, I decided to leave home on the pretext of going to work, bunk work and roam around Bangalore alone. It was a city I had never explored before and the idea of not having someone constantly call to check up on me was exciting. I left home at 9 am, got myself some coffee, started walking around MG Road and ended up in front of the walking murals. I had only seen pictures of the murals on the Blanknoise website and it was so wonderful to see them in real life, right in front of me. 

That day, I did exactly what the murals said! I walked around Bangalore; I walked a fast walk, I walked a slow walk. I walked at the pace of my thoughts. I walked straight ahead and I walked back to where I started. I walked leisurely. I walked with my headphones on. I walked with purpose and I walked without one. I walked with my eyes glued to the google maps on my phone screen and I walked even after my phone ran out of charge. I walked, conscious of my place in the city. I walked in the city, with the city. I stopped walking several times, to rest, to make sense of my amorphous surroundings. I also cruised across in autorickshaws, splurged at bookstores and indulged in some sweet chocolate truffle cakes. I asked strangers for directions, sometimes confidently, other times hesitantly. I negotiated fear, space and claim. I walked and created a Bangalore for myself. It was a hot day and I was so happy to be alone. 

The day was coming to an end but I wanted to have some more fun. So, I decided to get this tattoo. It was very impulsive but also intentional. While I was getting the tattoo, a billion questions raced across my head - Is the placing okay? What if it’s too big? What if it looks “cringy”? How will I tell my parents about this? Will I be able to hide it if I wear pants? I also couldn’t help but feel the thrill of it. The needle hitting my skin, the numbness I felt later was exhilarating. I had made a decision by myself to get something permanent on my body; I was claiming my body and it felt liberating. And then I took an auto back home, shushed my hyper alert self, put on my headphones, zoned out to some good music and even slept for a bit. I was tired from all the walking but the tiredness was almost like a reward. 

It’s been a couple of days since my solo-day out and my tattoo is healing well. I love where its placed and I love how big it is. Now I have a reminder of the city I created while walking on my leg forever. Its a reminder of Bangalore and its pleasant weather, the fun I have had, the lovely people I met and the wonderful conversations I have had here. It’s also a reminder of the friendships I share with the women in my life, the fun we have had together and alone and the political solidarity we share.

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Step By Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking Tees :

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Step By Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking…

The Step By Step Guide To Unapologetic Walking received new significance and solidarity through Covid19. Instagram account holder @jurielmakestrash responded to hate crimes towards Asians with her performative piece. #StopAsianHate