Street art expresses political messages in India's bustling urban centers
In the heart of Chennai, amid the weathered shacks of Kannagi Nagar, a vibrant pink building stands out - a testament to hope and resilience. Adorning its facade, a colossal mural by Indian artist Kashmira Sarode showcases a mother and daughter wading through low black waves, with the sun shining above and red irises blooming. The piece, titled "Harbouring Hope," symbolizes the neighborhood's rebirth following the 2004 tsunami, now home to over 80,000 residents. The artwork marks another successful artistic district created by the St+Art India Foundation.
Founded in 2014, St+Art India is a pioneering force in the subcontinent's artistic landscape. Led by Roman-born Giulia Ambrogi, the organization aims to redefine the relationship between Indian civil society and public spaces, fostering a sense of community through art. Their projects are site-specific, blending with the local history, architectures, and spaces.
A pivotal moment for St+Art India took place in the urban village of Khirki, south of Delhi. Here, dystopian and avant-garde art breathed new life into the area, leading to the first public art festival in the city. In 2015, they unveiled Lodhi Art District in an ex-British residential neighborhood, adding an open-air museum of cartoon-format portraits, traditional textile patterns, and climate change-themed works.
The St+Art India Foundation's footprint extends beyond Delhi, with projects in high-tech centers like Hyderabad, Mumbai's slums, and urban conglomerates of Goa. They have left indelible marks on the Indian capital's police headquarters, with a portrait of Gandhi, and on the headquarters of steel tycoon Jindal Mansion, with iconic temporary inflatable installations.
Transforming marginalized areas and urbanized neighborhoods into vibrant art spaces, St+Art India addresses fundamental questions in the socio-political organization of cities, steering clear of speculation and gentrification practices seen in European cities.
Although not traditionally considered art by some, St+Art India's initiatives foster a deep connection between communities, art, and public spaces, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also inclusive and functional. The foundation's projects, such as the reimagined learning space at Arpan Charitable Trust or the responsive environments initiative, "St+Art Care," highlight their commitment to cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.
While focusing on the visual arts, St+Art India collaborates with organizations like Asian Paints to expand its impact, enhancing the cultural and aesthetic landscape of Indian communities through innovative projects.
[1] (Source: Project Udaan website, link not provided)[5] (Source: "St+Art India and Asian Paints Launch St+Art Care – Building Responsive Environments" press release, link not provided)
- The St+Art India Foundation, through their policy of redefining the relationship between Indian civil society and public spaces, has created a lifestyle movement that intertwines art and everyday environments across various city districts, such as home-and-garden areas in Goa and urban conglomerates, while steering clear of practices like gentrification.
- In the realm of general news, St+Art India's ongoing collaboration with organizations like Asian Paints not only adds vibrant and innovative art to the subcontinent's landscape but also addresses fundamental questions in the socio-political organization of cities, with initiatives like St+Art Care focusing on cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.
