New Delhi: The Arjangarh Metro station on the Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli–HUDA City Centre) is all set for an artistic makeover, with Indian and international artists painting various illustrations across the walls of the station on themes related to environment. For this unique initiative, the Metro has tied up with St+art India, a non profit organisation working for the promotion of street art. The Govindpuri Metro station on the Violet Line (ITO-Faridabad) was also given a new look with various artistic illustrations in tie up with the same organisation.
The project at Arjangarh is collaboration among artists from India, Singapore and Mexico. Placed on the Mehrauli highway, the Arjangarh Metro station is an important connecting bridge between South Delhi and Gurgaon. The curatorial approach brings together these artists with their distinctive styles to convey their interpretation of the local flora and fauna of India.
The paintings will primarily focus on the indigenous birds and animals found in India. The artists will also try to present the fauna of the region in the backdrop of Delhi’s urban surroundings. The two Singaporean artists involved with the project are Sam Lo and Soph O. While, Mr Senkoe is from Mexico, the other artist, Mr Nilesh, is from India.
The artists have already commenced their work. As part of the initiative, St+art India Foundation will maintain the art work for the next five years, after which the artworks may be repainted or original finish will be restored.
The Delhi Metro utilises its spaces for the promotion of art, culture and heritage. Apart from having a museum inside the Patel Chowk station, the DMRC has installed decorative panels, art works at various stations such as Mandi House, Janpath, ITO, Udyog Bhawan, INA, Jor Bagh, Green Park etc.
The “Art Stations” is an endeavour by St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints to transform transit spaces into walk in galleries for the public with the support of the DMRC and Singapore high commission.
