A little birdie had earlier tipped us off about some goings-on in Lodhi colony area. On our visit to Lodhi gardens in the capital we took a detour to the Meherchand market. As we landed a huge mural adorning the facade of a house bang opposite the market caught our eye. This was the Lodhi Art District the little birdie was talking about.
The spectacular abstract painting nudged me to explore the Lodhi colony area further. A walk around Lodhi Art District, which is snuggled between the Meherchand market and Khanna market, presented a place in the process of huge transformation. The Art District is a culmination of mesmerizing efforts by over 25 street artists from India as well as around the world. These artists have created masterpieces to give Lodhi Colony area a makeover since December 2015. Lodhi Art District is in fact a huge open air art gallery of contemporary art accessible to one and all.
The vibrant colors and larger-than-life paintings made us awestruck. The paintings showcased various art forms ranging from Indian Tribal Gond Art, Shekhawati paintings (miniature art) to international drawing and art techniques. Some murals had elements of capital city and its people while others were inspired by issues related to gender, environment et al. The artists have left their indelible mark on city and our hearts with such beautiful creations.
The most striking mural was the 'hand in tricolor' in Block-4 of Lodhi Colony facing the Meherchand market. We later found out it is done by a French artist - Chifumi. He has depicted the Padma Mudra - a symbolic Indian hand gesture with some Khmer patterns from Combodia.
Lodhi Art District is a marquee project of St+Art Foundation in making the urban living spaces of the National Capital Delhi a visual spectacle. The artists have come together under the banner of St+Art Foundation, a non-profit organization, that works on art projects in public spaces. Their website declares the aim of the organization as
As city dwellers with an academic interest in everything urban - structures, philosophy and life in general - we at Noida Diary track and appreciate issues and projects that contribute towards improving quality of life in the city. Lodhi Art District, India's first public art district, is a benchmark for rest of India. This will promote clean cities and Street Art form which is relatively new in India. Lodhi Art District has certainly raised the bar in developing and improving cityscapes with street art. The Public Art District paradigm should be replicated across India. Hope our urbanists are listening!
Meanwhile, have a dekko at the other spectacular work of street artists captured at Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi.
Lodhi Art District is located in the Lodhi Colony between Meherchand market and Khanna Market. Nearest Metro Station is Jor Bagh or INA Market. You can take an auto rickshaw from there. Buses also ply on this route. To reach here by car/taxi refer to the map below.
This article is part of our series on Places around Noida and topics related to urban living.
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The spectacular abstract painting nudged me to explore the Lodhi colony area further. A walk around Lodhi Art District, which is snuggled between the Meherchand market and Khanna market, presented a place in the process of huge transformation. The Art District is a culmination of mesmerizing efforts by over 25 street artists from India as well as around the world. These artists have created masterpieces to give Lodhi Colony area a makeover since December 2015. Lodhi Art District is in fact a huge open air art gallery of contemporary art accessible to one and all.
The vibrant colors and larger-than-life paintings made us awestruck. The paintings showcased various art forms ranging from Indian Tribal Gond Art, Shekhawati paintings (miniature art) to international drawing and art techniques. Some murals had elements of capital city and its people while others were inspired by issues related to gender, environment et al. The artists have left their indelible mark on city and our hearts with such beautiful creations.
The most striking mural was the 'hand in tricolor' in Block-4 of Lodhi Colony facing the Meherchand market. We later found out it is done by a French artist - Chifumi. He has depicted the Padma Mudra - a symbolic Indian hand gesture with some Khmer patterns from Combodia.
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| Padma Mudra painted by French Artist Chifumi at Lodhi Art District in Lodhi Colony, New Delhi |
Lodhi Art District is a marquee project of St+Art Foundation in making the urban living spaces of the National Capital Delhi a visual spectacle. The artists have come together under the banner of St+Art Foundation, a non-profit organization, that works on art projects in public spaces. Their website declares the aim of the organization as
"to make art accessible to a wider audience by taking it out of the conventional gallery space and embedding it within the cities we live in - making art truly democratic and for everyone"An initiative by Urban Development Ministry in partnership with St+Art foundation Lodhi Art District seeks to raise awareness on cleanliness as part of the Swachch Bharat mission spearheaded by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As city dwellers with an academic interest in everything urban - structures, philosophy and life in general - we at Noida Diary track and appreciate issues and projects that contribute towards improving quality of life in the city. Lodhi Art District, India's first public art district, is a benchmark for rest of India. This will promote clean cities and Street Art form which is relatively new in India. Lodhi Art District has certainly raised the bar in developing and improving cityscapes with street art. The Public Art District paradigm should be replicated across India. Hope our urbanists are listening!
Meanwhile, have a dekko at the other spectacular work of street artists captured at Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi.
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| Beautiful Street Art of a Flock of Birds on this Gate at Lodhi Art District |
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| Abstract Painting by Australian Street Artist Reko Rennie on the Street Facing Meharchand Market |
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Gond - an Indian Tribal Art Form depicted in this Mural at Lodhi Art District |
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| Happily Posing for Noida Diary at Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi |
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| Painting by Iraninan Artist Nafir Based on Women's Right in Eastern Part of the World |
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| Lodhi Art District is Dotted with Beautiful Murals |
Reaching there:
Lodhi Art District is located in the Lodhi Colony between Meherchand market and Khanna Market. Nearest Metro Station is Jor Bagh or INA Market. You can take an auto rickshaw from there. Buses also ply on this route. To reach here by car/taxi refer to the map below.
This article is part of our series on Places around Noida and topics related to urban living.
Subscribe: Email Updates | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Noida Events
I sincerely wish and hope the efforts bear fruit and the city (even others across India) becomes cleaner and livable.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I liked that tiger in gond art form 😊
Alok, a lot is happening towards cleaner,better livable cities pan-India. Unless people understand their share of responsibility is no less than administration till then any effort will go down the drain. But I see a bright light at the end of tunnel and thankfully, it is not far away :)
DeleteMy husband talks a lot about this... but I am yet to visit... Thanks for sharing dearie... :-) xoxo
ReplyDeleteArchana, St+Art has been collaborating for cleaning and beautification work in Delhi through various chapters. They have already done a project in Mumbai too. A stroll down the Lodhi Colony has become so much interesting after this transformation. You must spare some time to take a walk down here whenever you are in Delhi :)
DeleteWill try to visit in my next visit
ReplyDeleteShrinidhi, you should certainly stroll down the streets of Lodhi Colony whenever you are here next. The Lodhi Art District is a public gallery - open air, open to all. Worth a visit to see the changing urban landscape from dull government buildings to colorful facades :)
DeleteI would love to visit such a place, great work of paintings. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCertainly, you should visit this place while driving to Lodhi Colony area and witness the way Delhi is mobilised for cleaner city initiative.
DeleteIt seems like a great endeavor. Fabulous murals. Thanks for sharing Bushra.
ReplyDeleteKiran, it is a great effort where the Ministry, the local administration, the NGO and artists from around the world have come together to create a colorful mosaic in our Dilli :)
DeleteI am not sure i might visit this place or not, but reading this, i am so happy. Thank you for sharing! :-)
ReplyDelete(itsPH blog)
I share your sentiment, Prakash. When I saw the painted facade of the bulding in Lodhi Colony I was tranced by its visual effect. It is amazing - the art and the effort :)
DeleteBeautiful pics Bushra! I haven't managed to visit the new art works yet, sadly.
ReplyDeleteKalpanaa on Twitter
From
Kalpanaawrites
Kalpana, whenever you are in that part of the city do have a look at these beautiful colorful murals..I suggest before the monsoons dear :)
DeleteI am so happy that I live in this neighborhood!!! it's such a pleasure walking around the neighborhood spotting such beautiful works of art everyday!!!
ReplyDeletewww.myunfinishedlife.com
You are one lucky person to live in this neighbourhood, dear. I had loved the Lodhi's Tomb as well....and this Art Work was like I felt transported to a different country. ..beautiful indeed!
DeleteThis is interesting.
ReplyDeleteLovely work on facade.
Yes..it is, Indrani! I too loved it dear :)
DeleteWill mark this in my to-visit lists on my next trip to Noida for sure. Thanks for sharing dear :)
ReplyDeleteMaitreni, this is in Saddi Dilli..do have a look at the Art District in Lodhi Colony if you are in that area, dear :)
DeleteAmazing pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anjali! The art work is beautiful there at the Lodhi Art District.
DeleteThe artists have done such a wonderful job! Need to visit it soon!
ReplyDeleteYou should visit this place...i just hope rain does not wash it off in monsoons. It is very beautiful :)
DeleteAmazing , Thanks for your post :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Rupam...it is amazing :D
DeleteWoah! Such beautiful pieces of art!
ReplyDeleteYep Priyanka, the Lodhi Art District is certainly a visual treat :)
Deletewow...beautiful murals :)
ReplyDeleteYes..very colorful and beautiful, Purba :)
DeleteWhat an amazing idea. All paintings are so pleasant and beautiful. Loved this post Bushra x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jyothi. I too am loving this idea..and have come to know of residents in various appartments replicating it at their buildings too... :)
DeleteGreat initiatives and love the gorgeous art on the walls..
ReplyDeleteIndeed a great initiative with beautiful street art.
DeleteStreet Art, the concept is new in India. But it will definitely promote art and a clean street.
ReplyDeleteI agree Amsang...this initiative will promote art and cleanliness too. I had seen various art forms displayed by the artists national and international too. It is a step in right direction towards promoting art and culture :)
DeleteInteresting....Thanks for sharing Bushra!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rajeev for stopping by to drop a word. Appreciate this!
DeleteNice work done. Though I visit that part of Delhi frequently but was unaware of this art work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I am glad to point it out to you, Swati. Thanks for dropping by, dear :)
DeleteI was born and brought up in Lodhi Colony Block N:8 and attached to this colony very much. I am in my 60's and live in Bengaluru now. I just browsed through the beautiful arts in my much cherished colony and became nostalgic but happy.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear this post brought back happy memories of Lodhi Colony for you. Thanks for your word...much appreciated :)
DeleteWow.Wonderful concept and Beautiful street Art.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Absolutely...!!!
Delete