Message on the Walls: Unveiling the Vibrant Canvases of Street Art

A splash of paint here, a stroke of the brush there. Multicoloured storeys with a a myriad of scenes
and symbols, each telling its own story. From Bollywood-inspired couples zipping on bikes to
peacocks dancing in glory, from sages listening to music to trees adorned with gifts, a family
huddled on a Bajaj and monsters teeming out, the murals here covering the peeling layers of plaster
and
peeking bricks. In the heart of Delhi, near the energy and vibrancy of Connaught Place, lies a hidden
gem, Shankar Market, famous for its sarees, silk brocades, and traditional fabrics. But what has me
captivated everytime I’ve visited it with my mother, are its streets are adorned with vibrant street
art, transforming mundane walls into captivating canvases.

The murals in this rainbow-coloured street, tucked away and oblivious to mere passers-by, defy any
singular theme, inviting viewers to appreciate their beauty in their own unique ways. They had been
painted by artists from the Delhi Street Art club as part of a project by the NDMC in 2014 to revive
this peripheral street of CP in a funky way.

Street art is more than just paint on walls; it's a form of expression that transcends boundaries and
challenges norms. While sometimes it may get lost in hustle-bustle of the cities or get construed as
mere graffiti or vandalism, these artworks carry hidden stories and lores, waiting to be discovered
and appreciated. The seemingly notorious letterings are the beacon of truth voicing strong opinions
and harsh realities that society often chooses to ignore. And then again, they simply reinstate the
local identity, and revitalize old spaces. Whether portraying harsh realities or simply beautifying our
surroundings, street art is a testament to the artistic spirit of our cities.

The roots of street art run deep into history, with ancient civilizations leaving their mark on walls and
monuments. However, the modern era of graffiti can be traced back to 1960s Philadelphia, where
teenagers like Darryl McCray, known as Cornbread, began tagging their names on buildings,
sparking a movement that quickly spread across the US. Over time, graffiti evolved into a legitimate
art form, particularly within the burgeoning hip-hop scene, blending elements of fine art, graphic
design, and political activism.

While India has a long tradition of public art, seen from the awe-inspiring cave paintings of Ajanta
and Ellora and mural-making, the contemporary street art movement is relatively new. Influenced by
global hip-hop culture, Artists like Dhiraj Singh and Jatin Pandit emerged, using their craft to address
social issues like caste discrimination and poverty. Mumbai, often regarded as the birthplace of
graffiti in India, witnessed the emergence of pioneering artists like Daku and Tyler, who began
experimenting with spray paint and stencils in the early 2000s.

Every city has its own story to tell through its street art. In Mumbai's Dharavi slum, artists
transform crumbling walls into vibrant murals, reclaiming spaces often overlooked and neglected
by society. In Berlin, the remnants of the Berlin Wall serve as canvases for artists to commemorate
the city's
tumultuous history and celebrate its reunification.

Beyond established names and festivals lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be
discovered. The Talking Walls of Lodhi Colony in Delhi, showcase poignant depictions from the
whimsical illustrations of common man and mythology to environmental and social issues. This was
first ever Public Art District in India, started by Start foundation in 2015, inviting over 25 national and
international street artists.
The murals here feature the works of artists like Brandon Tay, Georgia Hill, Yoh Nagao, and
Kulavoor, Hanif Kureshi, and Sajid Wajid, mixing international elements with Indian art forms. As an
ode to the residents making the colony what it is, the birds painted by Senkoe to show the diversity
of the people living there. A fusion art piece by Rakesh Memrot, portrays an elephant whose tusks
seem to be growing into tree branches housing sparkling sparrows, tribute to the Gond tribal art
practiced by the Gonds- the largest tribal community of central India. The artist Shilo Shiv Suleman
leads the Fearless Collective which addresses gender-based issues showing two women from the
marginalized section of the society. Another particularly captivating piece is "The Lost Indian
Pleasure," a colorful mural by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel, which celebrates India's rich cultural
heritage.

In Hyderabad, French artist Kashink's murals at the Chowmahalla Palace pay homage to forgotten
women who shaped the city's history. Kerala's St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church features a whimsical
series by F. Newton Souza, juxtaposing the historic church with playful figures.

Street art employs a diverse language. Artists utilize various techniques, from tagging and elaborate
stencils to guerilla installations and even LED lights and fire extinguishers. Symbolism plays a crucial
role, with recurring motifs like raised fists signifying defiance, broken chains representing liberation,
and wide-open eyes symbolizing awakening. The impact differs from piece to piece as well. While
some give you a scene to stare at and contemplate as you’re waiting for the bus or train, others just
make you laugh when quickly passing by.

In the Indian street art scene, several artists and initiatives are leaving their impactful mark. One such
artist who has been taking the cities by a storm is Daku. Daku, meaning dacoit, claims to rob walls,
making them his even if he can't own them legally. His street art in Lodhi Garden is an attack on
rampant commercialisation through posters and graffit i on walls. His thought-provoking works, like
the "Chronicles of a City" series, challenge viewers to contemplate their lives.

Tyler, a guerilla street artist, dubbed as Mumbai’s Banksy, fuses graffiti with stencilling to address
issues like corruption, and communal politics.

Yantra, another prominent artist, uses geometric designs to convey socio-political messages. These
'artivists' like Ranjit Dahiya, Dhiraj Singh, Kartikey Sharma, are reshaping the urban landscape and
sparking conversations about critical issues. Organizations like St+art India Foundation and initiatives
like the Delhi Wall Book Project are making art more accessible and democratic.

Despite its growing popularity, street art still faces challenges and controversies. Graffiti artists often
grapple with legal issues and public perception, with many viewing their work as vandalism rather
than artistic expression. However, amidst the dissent, there is a growing appreciation for street art's
ability to beautify our surroundings, challenge norms, and foster community engagement.

As we wander through the vibrant streets of Shankar Market, let us not merely admire the colors and
shapes but pause to listen to the stories they tell. Let us appreciate the beauty and complexity of
street art, acknowledging its power to transform spaces, provoke thought, and inspire change. For in
the art-filled streets of Delhi and beyond, lies a silent revolution waiting to be unveiled and
celebrated.