Hanif Kureshi Who Created India's first Art District in Delhi Passes Away at 41

New Delhi: Hanif Kureshi, the man who created India’s first art district in Delhi passed away on Sunday at the age of 41 after battling with cancer. Kureshi’s work in Lodhi Art District reflects the modern expression, giving an identity to today’s art and culture. He co-founded St+art India in 2013 with an aim to paint streets across the country, which resulted in the creation of a pop-culture street art. His not-for-profit organisation works on art projects in public spaces - making art truly democratic and for everyone.His efforts are truly visible. A walk in Lodhi Art District, clicking pictures of wall-paintings, and sipping tea around the corner makes you witness the transformative power of public art. “When you are working in an art gallery, your concerns are different, but this is art on the streets, for everyone,” stated Kureshi had told The Indian Express in 2022 during an interview.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by St+art India (@startindia)

Gujarat-born urban artist Hanif Kureshi was known for using typography to connect India with the world. His belief that design should be personal was his signature style. His Handpainted Type project was inspired by street signs, like those found on the shop boards of juice vendors and paan sellers — bold, vibrant, and full of character.Kureshi had a remarkable talent for not only bringing people to the streets, as seen in his work at Mumbai's Sassoon Dock Art Project and Lodhi Art District, but also for bringing the essence of the streets to the people. Condolences Pour InSeveral on social media said Hanif should be celebrated for his art. Many, meanwhile, expressed grief for loosing Hanif to cancer. His fellow artists opened up about him, and appreciated his "madness" that drove to him create the mesmerising art we see today on streets.

RIP my beautiful friend, Hanif Kureshi , artist and former colleague from Ogilvy. I will miss your madness.

(Hanif was the driving force behind the Lodhi art project, amongst other genre defining public art projects in India) pic.twitter.com/fRwKU4kvie

— shubho sengupta (@shubhos) September 23, 2024

Tragic to hear about the passing of @hanifkureshi. The art world lost a legend.

But in his time here he has left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

🙏🏼✊🏼💪🏼

For those of you who don’t know about this trailblazing artist’s contribution to Indian art, especially… pic.twitter.com/GRaJKBFRR1

— Angad B Sodhi 🦉 #SUPPORTLIVINGARTISTS (@angadbsodhi) September 23, 2024

1/ If you've ever ambled through Delhi's Lodhi Art District/seen the art at Blore's metro stations - you'll empathise with my heavy heart today

Today we lost the street artist Hanif Kureshi (41) to cancer

He co-founded the St+ART project which made art accessible for all like👇 pic.twitter.com/bXkXx0yPA5

— enthu-cutlet 🍜 (@_waabi_saabi_) September 23, 2024