Switzerland‘s NeverCrew just completed two murals at the end of January for St+Art India in New Delhi that are connected thematically, though separated by a few kilometers. That geographical distance is intended to indicate time and loss of memory, they say, as the conceptual bases for “See Through / See Beyond” speaks to the loss of identity that colonized societies experience as their roots slowly fade over time.

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

In this case, the story is linked to the British Empire imposing upon the Indians but it could just as easily apply to any displacement of a culture’s roots and history.

“The man finds himself with no history, unable to distinguish the outlines of his surroundings, without memories that make him aware and without reference points that make him conscious of his actual position,” says Pablo, one of the two members of NeverCrew. The disconnection here is embodied by the space man, floating above the surface of an odd moonscape, adrift and unable to establish connection.

Perhaps his name is Major Tom.

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016. (photo © Never Crew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)

NeverCrew. “See Through / See Beyond” St+ART India. New Delhi, India. January 2016 (photo © NeverCrew)