In recent times, students across various schools in Delhi have taken up the mantle of creativity and embarked on a mission to transform their school walls into vibrant canvases. With the support of initiatives such as Open Canvas, Delhi Street Art and Lithuanian Embassy , these young artists are using their talents to convey social messages, celebrate culture, and add a touch of aesthetic beauty to their educational environments. The power of art to inspire, engage, and uplift is being harnessed by these students, who are leaving a lasting legacy through their mural creations.
Walls that were once plain and uninspiring have now become vibrant masterpieces, reflecting the creativity and vision of the students. The transformation is evident in schools located in INA, Mandir Marg, Lodhi Road, Kapashera, and Gurugram. From social messages to cultural nuggets, the artworks portray a diverse range of ideas and perspectives.
Among these artistic endeavours, one remarkable story unfolds at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Rohini. A talented Class 12 student decided to leave a lasting legacy before graduating from the school. As a farewell gift, the student painted a captivating mural on the walls, capturing the essence of the school and its cherished memories. This act of creativity and gratitude serves as a testament to the emotional connection students share with their educational institutions.
Highlighting Linguistic Similarities: Lithuanian Embassy’s Project
Another noteworthy project that stands out in the realm of school murals is the collaboration between the Lithuanian embassy in India and Harcourt Butler School in Delhi’s Mandir Marg area. This unique endeavour aims to showcase the linguistic similarities between Sanskrit and Lithuanian, two of the world’s oldest languages. The street art mural on the school’s outer wall depicts common words in both languages, utilising traditional Lithuanian style and patterns. The artwork not only serves as a visual delight but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding.
Open Canvas’s Ode to Schools and Communities in Delhi
Founded in 2019, Open Canvas is an initiative that endeavours to bring art into public places. It encourages collaborative creation and viewing of murals in residential communities and school campuses. Open Canvas focuses on themes such as women empowerment, freedom of expression, education for all, and environmental degradation. By highlighting these important topics through art, the project aims to celebrate the progress made in upholding civil rights and initiate meaningful discussions about positive change within communities. Open Canvas partnered with EOTO to create their inaugural mural at Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya in Sarojini Nagar. Principal Pariksha Shah’s desire to leave behind something beautiful culminated in a captivating explosion of colour on a forgotten brick wall, catching the eyes of passers-by. Speaking about the people associated with his initiative, Yogesh says “ One of the street art villages that we created was at Raghubir Nagar slum in New Delhi. We had involved the community residents, children, women, men, and others around the community. There were also 50 volunteer artists, who over a period of a month, painted between 100 to 150 homes. We also painted temples, schools, aanganvaadis, and almost everything there. We turned a slum community practically into a street art village, and a lot of young people from the community showed their interest and got involved with us”, he further said in an article with localsamosa.com.
Delhi Street Art’s Collaborative Efforts
With Delhi Street Art guiding the students, the walls within and exterior side of many schools in the city are covered in beautiful forms of art. Navy Children School embraces murals that ignite young imaginations, while Suncity School in Gurugram’s sector 54 breaks gender stereotypes through its thought-provoking wall art.
These initiatives that promote wall art and murals in schools provide students with a platform to express themselves creatively and actively contribute to their educational spaces. By engaging in such projects, students not only develop their artistic skills but also foster a sense of ownership, pride, and responsibility towards their school environment. These murals serve as reminders of the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversations. These young artists are leveraging their talents to create visually captivating works that leave a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Through these initiatives, students are not only transforming the aesthetics of their educational environments but also advocating for social causes, cultural understanding, and positive change. The colourful transformation of school walls into vibrant canvases is a reflection of the artistic spirit and collective aspirations of the next generation.
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