In 2013, artist Hanif Kureshi co-founded St+art India, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing art to the streets of India. What began as a vision to make art more accessible has blossomed into a movement that inspires countless artists and art enthusiasts across the country. Tragically, On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Hanif Kureshi, the creative force behind India’s first public art district, passed away at the age of 41 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that forever transformed the Indian art landscape.
Kureshi’s philosophy centered on the idea that art should not be confined to galleries and his aim was to make art more accessible to people who do not go to galleries. And this urge to bring art to the people propelled St+art India to create vibrant murals and installations in public spaces, making art a communal experience.
His journey into street art began with an interest in signboard painting and hand-lettering. This passion took him to the bylanes of India, where he sought out street sign painters. Recognizing the decline of this traditional art form, Kureshi started commissioning these artisans to paint letters in their unique styles, ultimately leading to the creation of HandpaintedType, a digital archive of these handcrafted typefaces.
Kureshi’s search for neighborhoods that could serve as canvases for street art brought him to Delhi’s Lodhi Colony in 2013. Recommended by a friend, he saw the potential of this area with its high walls and pedestrian-friendly lanes. The murals painted in Lodhi Colony quickly garnered attention, shifting perceptions about street art from mere graffiti to a legitimate form of artistic expression. These murals, vibrant in color and rich in messaging, paved the way for Lodhi Colony to become often cited as India’s first art district.
St+art India has grown significantly since its inception, organizing and collaborating on art festivals across various cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Kureshi actively invited both international and Indian artists to participate in these projects, contributing his own artistic touch as well. One notable collaboration features the words “Yaha” and “Must” (This must be the place), co-created with Australian artist Georgia Hill.
In 2017, Kureshi showcased his installation for the Sassoon Dock Art Project in Mumbai, where he ingeniously intertwined typography with the themes of smell and memory, exemplifying his multidisciplinary approach to art.
Kureshi’s talent and vision extended far beyond India. His works have been exhibited at prestigious venues worldwide, including the London Design Biennale, Venice Biennale, and Centre Pompidou in Paris. Most recently, in June 2023, he held a solo exhibition at Wildstyle Gallery in Sweden, showcasing his innovative contributions to the contemporary art scene.
