Hanif Kureshi, Street Art Pioneer and Founder of India’s First Art District, Dies at 41
Gujarat-born artist Hanif Kureshi, known for revolutionizing India’s public spaces with his vibrant street art, passed away at the age of 41 after battling cancer. Kureshi, co-founder of St+art India, transformed public areas like Delhi’s Lodhi Art District and Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock, creating India’s first open-air art gallery and making art accessible to all.
Pioneering Street Art in India
In 2013, Kureshi co-founded St+art India with a mission to bring art into the streets. His efforts led to the creation of the Lodhi Art District, where public spaces were transformed into canvases for modern expression. As he once stated, “This is art on the streets, for everyone.” His work in the district turned it into a symbol of India’s evolving urban culture.
Kureshi’s belief in making art truly democratic was evident in every project. Whether it was Delhi’s iconic walls or Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock, his work blended the essence of street life with pop-culture, making public art more than just visual – it was a statement of inclusivity and creativity.
Handpainted Type Project
Kureshi’s Handpainted Type project celebrated the bold and vibrant world of India’s street signage, inspired by the shop boards of juice vendors and paan sellers. His unique style of typography connected the visual language of Indian streets with global audiences, capturing the raw, colorful essence of the country.
Legacy and Impact
Kureshi’s impact extended far beyond individual murals. He created spaces where people could come together, enjoy art, and connect with the culture. His projects, from Delhi to Mumbai, showed the transformative power of public art.
“Walking through Lodhi Art District or Sassoon Dock is an experience that blends community, culture, and creativity,” said Kureshi in a 2022 interview with The Indian Express. His vision gave identity to modern Indian art and allowed it to flourish in urban landscapes.
Condolences and Tributes
Following his passing, many in the art world expressed their grief and admiration for Kureshi’s work. Fellow artists and admirers took to social media, paying tribute to his artistic legacy and the “madness” that drove his creative genius. His contributions to the Indian art scene will continue to inspire future generations of artists and art lovers.
Hanif Kureshi’s life and work will be remembered for breaking boundaries, both in the art world and in how people interact with public spaces. His legacy lives on through the vibrant murals that continue to brighten streets across India.
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