Turning Delhi Metro stations into walk-in art galleries

St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints have initiated the Art Stations project to transform transit spaces into walk-in galleries for the public. The two organisations, along with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Asian Paints, Singapore High Commission, Singapore Tourism Board and Sanskriti Foundation are now transforming the Arjan Garh Metro station with the work of art by two renowned Singaporean artists Sam lo and Soph O. Along with Indian artist Nilesh and Mexican artist Senkoe, the project explores the vibrant Indian flora and fauna through the interpretation of the artists. The project aims to provide everyday hundreds of commuters with a sense of visual relief and become a catalyst for conversations, ideas and cultural exchanges.
The beautification project could possibly open up a new engagement opportunity for the Indian OOH firms as well.

On this initiative, Lim Thuan Kuan, High Commissioner of Singapore to India, said: “As vibrant, ever growing cities, Delhi and Singapore face similar challenges of balancing between preserving nature and urbanisation. Singapore has adopted the concept of a ‘City in a Garden’ as we strive to introduce more greenery into our urban landscape. The Arjan Garh Metro Station project is exciting as it brings together Singapore and Indian artists to explore this theme from their unique artistic and cultural perspectives. We hope the completed work will bring more colour and life to the surrounding neighbourhoods!”
 
Asian Paints shares St+art India Foundation’s vision of making art accessible to everyone and believes in the power of transforming public spaces through street art. Taking the association with St+Art and DMRC to the next level, Amit Syngle, President – Sales, Marketing & Technology, Asian Paints, said, “Indian cities are known for their rich history and heritage. Through Asian Paint’s and St+Art Foundation’s association we tend to reinvent public spaces by means of art and culture. Public art is for everyone to see and acknowledge. It’s wonderful to see how aesthetically it adds significance to our cities and creates uniqueness to our communities. It would be a great delight to help relieve people’s stress during their local travel through this awe-inspiring beautiful artwork. And that is what we intend to do through this DMRC project.”
 
Stressing upon the power of art, Giulia Ambrogi - Co-Founder & Curator, St+art India Foundation, expressed, “Four different artists, four different styles, yet a common research on the topic of the nature, one of the favourite subjects of their own practice. This individual approach became here a common venture to create an immersive imagery and transform inside out the concrete surfaces of the Arjan Garh metro station into an archive of local flora and fauna. With this second St+art station, we hope to create a diffused museum for the city.”
 
Speaking about the project, Akshat Nauriyal, Co-Founder & Content Director, St+art India Foundation, shared, “Transit spaces in big cities like Delhi stand as modern structures but are also very inert and non-interactive for the people who use them the most. Through the ‘Art Stations’ project, we hope to add a bit of vibrance in everyday commuters’ lives. Also, since the footfall in these spaces is so high, the project will truly bring art to the masses.”
 
Anuj Dayal, Spokesperson for DMRC, emphasised the role art is playing in enhancing a commuter’s experience, “The Delhi Metro utilises its spaces for the promotion of art, culture and heritage. Apart from having a museum inside the Patel Chowk station, DMRC has installed decorative panels, art works at various stations such as Mandi House, Janpath, ITO, Udyog Bhawan, INA, Jor Bagh, Green Park etc. For this unique initiative at Arjan Garh Metro Station, Delhi Metro has tied up with St+art India, which is 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.”