In “Walking Cities and Reading Comics,” Gokul Gopalakrishnan presents a thought-provoking exploration of urban spaces through the lens of comic storytelling. The TEDxMEC talk emphasizes the unique relationship between cities and the narratives we weave within them. By encouraging us to walk through our environments, Gokul illustrates how interaction with urban landscapes inspires creativity and fosters a deeper connection to place.
Gokul also draws parallels between the visual language of comics and the architecture of cities, suggesting that both serve as stories waiting to be discovered. Through personal anecdotes and engaging illustrations, he invites viewers to reconsider the value of everyday walks, not just as a means of transportation but as an opportunity for artistic inspiration and community bonding.
Ultimately, the talk urges us to embrace the act of wandering as a form of creative exploration, revealing the stories embedded in our surroundings and the potential for personal introspection that urban space offers. Gokul’s insights remind us that every city has its own narrative, urging us to become active participants in the stories that unfold around us.
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Author Video Description
Gokul Gopalakrishnan brought a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the art of comics. With contagious passion and sharp insight, he explored how comics are more than just drawings—they’re reflections of the world around us. From cities and politics to the nuances of daily life, his talk revealed how comics start conversations that shape communities, inspire change, and influence the very spaces we live in. As stories inspire new storytellers, the cycle continues—one frame at a time, moulding our universe. A cartoonist, art researcher, and mobility expert, Gokul captures the pulse of urban life through his storytelling. He is the creator of “Small Talk”, a comic strip featured in a national daily, and “As City Is”, which had a year-long run in a Mumbai-based daily. His sharp observations also come alive in “The Small Picture”, a series of single-page stories for a financial paper. A contributor to “Mixtape”, an anthology of comic shorts, Gokul brings depth, wit, and social commentary into every frame. His work explores politics, culture, and everyday human experiences, proving that comics can be as powerful as they are entertaining. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Walking Cities and Reading Comics | Gokul Gopalakrishnan | TEDxMEC” was uploaded on 06/11/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks