Delhi is a melting pot of global cultures. Whether it is shopping for blinding jewellery or gazing at vivid historical monuments, everyone has a gala time in the Indian capital. The thriving art scene of Delhi is also famous around the world, with exhibitions conducted by KNMA or Art Alive Gallery bewitching art enthusiasts. In the heart of bustling Delhi lies a hidden gem, a vibrant canvas that transforms the mundane walls into captivating murals. Welcome to the Lodhi Art District, where the urban landscape meets artistic expression in a mesmerizing fusion of colours, shapes, and stories. Founded in 2015, the open-air art gallery has become a cultural beacon, attracting locals and tourists alike to witness the power of creativity adorning the streets. If not for the art, you must visit the Lodhi Art District Cafe for a cuppa.
Lodhi Colony Art District
The Lodhi Art District was founded as a collaborative effort between the St+art India Foundation and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Emerging as part of the St+art Delhi Festival, the initiative aimed to rejuvenate public spaces and promote art accessibility. The district serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talent, fostering community engagement and cultural dialogue through art. Lodhi Art District is open to the public 24×7 without any fees, which makes avant-garde art accessible and affordable to all, without prejudice. The murals extend from Khanna Market to Meherchand Market.
Lodhi Colony Art District Artists and Murals
The murals adorning the walls of the Lodhi Art District are a testament to the diversity and talent of the Indian art scene. Since its conception, over 50 renowned artists from across the country, as well as international luminaries, have contributed to the transformation of this urban landscape. Each mural tells a unique story, reflecting the artist’s perspective on themes ranging from social issues to cultural heritage. Some of the notable artists whose work graces the walls of the district include:
NeSpoon – New Delhi
Polish artist NeSpoon is well-known for his expansive murals that draw inspiration from lace patterns, an accessory extensively worn by women. NeSpoon worked with the women at the Aga Khan Foundation to create patterns that could be transferred onto fabric and taught them how to make stencils and use spray paint. The mural’s core was ultimately formed by how the Lodhi Art District’s residents and tourists interpreted these designs over time.
Avinash and Kamesh – The Tourist
This mural was inspired by the technological revolution, especially the advent of smartphones and social media. While working in Lodhi Colony, the artists observed the tourists taking selfies, group photos, and fashion shoots in front of the murals. In response, the artists turned their lenses to the audiences, making a statement about street art and the selfie generation.
Yip Yew Chong – Impressions of Lodhi
Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong is renowned for painting realistic scenes and the everyday life of the common man on the street. The artist pays tribute to the residents, shopkeepers, and hawkers who make Lodhi Colony what it is today by creating an emotive depiction of the town’s environment.
Henrik – Lavanya
The portrait “Lavanya” (grace) features Vimla, a street vendor at Lodhi Colony’s Old Khanna Market. She sells ‘paranthas,’ which is unusual for a woman in her social class. Henrik was motivated to honour women who accomplish so much in their lives—managing families, businesses, and juggling many responsibilities—but who, for the most part, go unnoticed as heroes throughout their lives. Her independence and commitment moved him to make her portrait.
Image Courtesy – YoMetro
Was Guwahati Ready for Retail Design? Ashish Agarwal’s Journey Proclaims the Answer (Part-1)
