Art junkie or not, you’d love to explore Lodhi Art District. The quiet neighborhood in the heart of Delhi holds the best of Delhi Street Art and demands a place on your bucket list.
The concept of street art, not new to the world is taking over in Delhi now.
All thanks to St+Art India Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s working relentlessly towards making street art popular across Delhi or for that matter India (as they have expanded the work to other major cities) since 2015.
With the help of CPWD, NDMC, Swachh Bharat Mission, the residents (RWA) of Lodhi Colony, and Asian Paints, St+Art India partnered with local and international artists to bring the art closer to the public.
Otherwise dull, and plain walls of government-owned buildings in Lodhi Colony are beautifully transformed into creative zion as part of the annual Lodhi Street Art Festival.
That’s how India’s first-ever Lodhi Art District was born.
It’s impossible to drive past Lodhi Colony and not stop to admire and ponder over the colossal wall art.
Why Lodhi Colony? you may ask.
Apart from its central location, Lodhi Colony attracted and thrilled the artists with its unique, symmetrical, and well-laid-out façades and pedestrian-friendly charm.
Each triple-storey government-owned building here features a central arched doorway and four windows (two on either side) wherein the archway affords a view inside a courtyard.
In some buildings, the archways showcase the trees jutting out of them to the street.
Lodhi Art District houses over 54 murals (and counting) that take on versatile themes, from social issues to environmental issues to marginalized and vulnerable communities like LGBTQ to Indian culture and values. Many of them have been inspired by the residents and visitors of the Lodhi Colony.
Are you a history lover too? You sure would love to read about Safdarjung Tomb, Tuglaqabad Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
You’d find yourself ogling at the artworks while trying to draw inferences behind them. I asked myself several times, “What must have inspired an artist?” while looking at those pretty yet thoughtful murals.
I was mesmerized to see the art on walls that speaks volumes and loved the way the trees of Lodhi dynamically became part of each and every art piece.
If you’re traveling to Delhi with kids, do stop by Shankar’s International Dolls Museum in Delhi.
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Lodhi Art District in Delhi
Street Murals in Lodhi Art District
Even though we contemplated the artwork but couldn’t really decode all the murals on our own. I had to take help from St+ART India’s Facebook and Instagram to know more about the stories and artists behind the graffitis while writing this piece.
Bhajju Shyam’s New Mural (Work in Progress)
This one’s a new addition. We spotted the artist and the volunteers working on this new mural.
Trans Lives Matter by Aravani Art Project
This thought-provoking mural in block 5 is painted by Aravani Art Project with the help of Delhi’s transgender community.
Featuring the portraits of trans women they have worked with, the artwork celebrates the transgender community.
The trans women you see in the artwork painted it themselves.
Ode to Femininity by Sajid Wajid Sheik
The Mumbai artist, Sajid Wajid painted this vibrant mural in block 5 keeping in mind the essence of feminism.
The artist beautifully voices women’s empowerment and celebrates womanhood through his work of art.
Yahan by Georgia Hill and Hanif Kureshi
Painted by Australian artist, Georgia Hill, and co-founder of St+Art India, Hanif Kureshi this black and white mural in block 8 represents the Hindi word for Here – ‘यहाँ’ (Yahan) and the English word ‘Must’ in an abstract form.
Georgia, during her explorations many times thought to herself “This must be the place” and her artwork contemplates the same thought.
Rock Pigeons by Adele Renault
A Belgian artist, Adele Renault’s artwork in Block 14 of Lodhi Colony highlights otherwise ordinary creatures as magnificent. The pair of pigeons hidden behind the life-sized trees undoubtedly look beautiful and graceful.
Please take a closer look to appreciate the details in her work. It’s super cool!
Cause and Effect by Sam Lo
A Singaporean artist, Sam Lo’s (SKL0) artwork in block 13 of Lodhi Colony reflects on the idea of freedom and interrelationship using ribbons and sparrows.
Social Media Friendly Plants by Sameer Kulavoor
Mumbai-based artist Sameer Kulavoor based his mural in block 17 of Lodhi Colony on a theme quite relevant in today’s context – life in the social media age.
He feels that algorithms largely define and influence the way we live today.
In the mural, he particularly depicted social media influencers photographing or taking selfies with diverse plants which according to him are low maintenance pretty Pinterest plants that help the influencers collect hundreds of likes easily.
Climate 05 – Reclaim Air and Water by Andreco
This wall in block 14 of Lodhi Colony showcases Andreco’s artwork on environmental activism and global warming effects.
Andreco, a scientist-artist of Italian origin used Air-Ink (the first-ever ink in the world that’s upcycled from industrial pollution) in his mural to depict how rapid climate change can adversely affect the environment if we don’t be mindful.
In his own words, “It’s pollution painted by pollution.”
The Light Fort by Yoh Nagao
In this colorful mural in block 17, Yoh Nagao blends Japanese and Indian patterns and symbols to illustrate how important it is to build a community that stays together and welcomes everyone with an open heart and mind.
The Sacrosanct Whole by Aaron Glasson
New Zealand artist, Aaron Glasson mixes various elements in his mural to depict the sacredness of all the objects in the world.
He picked cultural references from Indus Valley Civilization and Indian history at large.
Colors of the Soul by Sankoe
Sankoe, a Mexican artist painted the vibrant birds that signify the diversity of the people of Lodhi Colony and hope to inspire them to open their hearts to each other just the way birds do through his mural.
The Lotus by Suiko
Suiko, a Japanese artist picked the Lotus, the national flower of India, and recreated it with Japanese characters and his signature curved lines which remain the consistent element in all his artworks.
The red sun depicts Japan – the land of the rising sun.
Fusion Art by Rakesh
Rakesh created this mural in the traditional art style of Madhya Pradesh called Gond to show the need for maintaining an ecological balance.
Terracotta by Tellas
Tellas, an Italian artist painted this masterpiece in block 16 of Lodhi Colony to represent the importance of human connection to nature.
She named it “terra cotta” which translates to “baked earth” in Italian.
Saath Saath – Community Wall by and with the Residents of Lodhi Colony
Saath Saath (together) is a community wall in block 18 painted by residents of Lodhi Colony themselves.
The St+art team helped inhabitants of all ages and backgrounds to create a mural around the issues that matter to them most.
An artist, Dattaraj Naik gave the final shape to the artwork.
New Delhi by Nespoon
A Polish artist, Nespoon used intricate lace motifs and doilies to create a colorful mural in block 15 of Lodhi Colony.
She says that the traditionally and vibrantly dressed women of Lodhi Colony are the inspiration behind her work.
The Tourist by Avinash and Kamesh
Inspired by the tourists who visit Lodhi Art District to admire and photograph street art, Avinash and Kamesh depicted the social media and smartphone revolution in their mural.
Mere Rang Mein by Bond Truluv
This artwork in block 12 by a German artist, Bond Truluv is one of the world’s largest mixed-reality murals and one of the largest augmented reality murals in India.
The mural when seen through an app called VuforiaViewApp magically transforms into 3d. Isn’t it cool?
Impressions of Lodhi by Yip Yew Chong
Yip Yew Chong, a Singaporean artist found inspiration in Lodhi Colony’s people and their daily life activities and interactively recreated those everyday scenes onto the canvas.
I found this artwork quite vivacious.
Augmented Reality by Eugene Soh
Eugene Soh, an artist from Singapore portrays a string of augmented reality occurrences in his mural.
He painted a surface of Mars and a QR code that when scanned can take you to Mars. Other elements of graffiti include a 3D portrait of the Mona Lisa and a self-portrait.
We Love Delhi by Lek & Sowat and Hanif Kureshi
French artists, Lek & Sowat collaborated with Hanif Kureshi to paint this exquisitely colorful mural in block 5.
Inspired by the Indian festival of Holi, Sowat painted Sanskrit ciphers to make a base that was later half-erased by Lek to create a color rain effect.
Hanif then painted We love Delhi in Hindi letters ( वी लव दिल्ली ) on top of the base layer to complete the artwork.
Dilli wallahs (Delhites) are sure to love this artwork!
Nature’s Arch and Visions of Altered Landscapes by Aaron Li-Hill
This one’s my favorite.
Aaron Li-Hill, a Canadian artist blends the western (polar bear on the left side of the wall) and eastern elements (tiger on the right side of the wall) to portray how climate change can challenge the varied landscapes in his unique artwork in block 5.
The natural archway here indicates hope and optimism.
The tigers, polar bears, men, and women in air-pollution masks rush across the canvas to save themselves from the polluted air while the real-life tree protruding through the arched walkway brings positivity and hope.
Dharavi’s Flowers by Alaniz and Federica
This artwork by Alaniz and Federica features a young girl who lives in one of the world’s largest slums, Dharavi in Mumbai.
Discovery of India – Balance in Mind and Spirit by Saner
This bright orange mural in block 9 by Saner, a Mexican artist celebrates the Mexican and Indian cultures.
Saner used varied human and natural elements to promote understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. Each element here carries profound meaning.
Vishwaroopam by Inkbrushnme
Kadam brothers, Raj and Harsh who run a studio – Inkbrushnme painted a masterpiece of rich Indian mythology called Vishwaroopam on block
Vishwaroopa is a universal form or supreme form and theophany of the Hindu God Vishnu or his avatar Krishna where the entire universe resides within him.
God Krishna demonstrates his omniform known as Vishvarupa to Arjun on the 18th day of the epic battle of Mahabharata.
The mural shines golden as sun rays fall on it while it looks a subtle yellow as the sun goes down.
Pink by Dwa Zeta
Adorning a wall in block 9, Pink by a Polish artist Dwa Zeta represents the nature of Delhi – crammed and chaotic yet vibrant and impressive.
The artist metaphorically used a pink background to give a feminine element as he identifies with the lack of gender equality in the city.
Katha Crazy Twins: Chiller Champa & Boom Bhaijaan by Harsh Raman
I loved this one. Harsh Raman cleverly combined the traditional Indian art of Kathakali from Kerala with the modern art of murals to conclude that art needs no words.
The twins represent the older generation who still holds on to values, culture, and heritage, and the younger generation who’s gradually letting go of old customs and traditions to embrace the new.
I Am Here by H11235
This artwork in block 19 created by H11235 weaves an image of fish with plastic to deliver a powerful message – harmful effects of human activity on the environment.
Letters for Lodhi by Yok and Sheryo
This bright yellow and attractive mural in block 16 is created by Yok and Sheryo, Singapore-based artists. It’s said to be inspired by the colorful designs and slogans on Indian matchboxes.
Essentials
The Location
Lodhi Art District is located in Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. Most of the street art is located on a stretch between Khanna Market and Meherchand Market in Lodhi Colony.
How to Reach
Delhi Metro is one of the most convenient ways to reach Lodhi Colony from anywhere in Delhi/NCR.
Auto-rickshaws, Ola, and Uber are also easily available and don’t cost much.
Alternatively, you can take a local bus to reach the neighborhood. DTC buses run from different points within the city.
We traveled by our own car from Dwarka to Lodhi Colony.
Nearest Metro Stations: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) / JorBagh (Yellow Line) / INA (Pink Line)
How to Get Around or Explore Lodhi Art District
There are two ways to explore street art in Lodhi Colony -a self-guided walk and a curated tour.
Exploring the neighborhood on your own has its own perks. You are in for a surprise. Turn a corner and you’ll discover something new.
We strolled aimlessly along the streets and discovered inspiring artworks at every turn while trying to figure out the relevance behind each one of them.
St+Art India’s location guide can help you explore the Lodhi Art District effortlessly on your own.
Curated tours bring more understanding because of their interactive nature. Your guide makes sure to uncover the story behind each mural and what inspired the artists to paint them.
You can join the curated or guided tour hosted by St+art. It takes place every Saturday from September to March from 10 am to 12:30 pm. The meeting point is India Habitat Centre Gate No. 3. The tour costs Rs. 700 per person. Here’s a link to book a tour.
Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Days and Timings
It’s accessible 24X7 every day. That’s the charm of outdoor museums 🙂
Time Required/Duration of Visit
It solely depends on person to person. A guided tour covers all the murals and lasts for two and a half hours. A self-guided walk can last for as long as you want. There’s no limit to how much time you take to absorb and photograph each and every mural.
It’s easy to spend an entire day strolling around the neighborhood’s leafy lanes discovering exquisite artworks adorning the life-size walls.
We spent about 3 hours and discovered only 29 murals out of 54. I have promised myself to take a curated walk with St+Art India in the month of January to cover the ones I left.
St+Art India is doing great work. Gone are the times when art was limited to museums, art galleries, or the elite. It’s the age of a new generation of artists that hold the power to change the face of the world with their eloquent artwork.
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