EP 182 . 01 Jul 20

St+Art movement

With Hanif Kureshi

In the episode

  • I am quoting you from one of your articles online, “While graffiti was once considered a nuisance, it is now a wonderful showcase of alternative art, a sub-culture that sometimes surpasses the mainstream in its fanbase.” – I have 2 questions. 1, Why was it considered a nuisance? 2. How & why did it change?
  • Is street art an Indian thing? Where do you see it’s rooted in India?
  • What role does space play while making artworks of such huge sizes? Can you share any particular example/case study?
  • Borrowing from the St+artindia website, “Indian streets are very unique. They are a microcosm of the millions of diverse voices that co-exist in this vast and wonderful nation of ours.” – How do you pick the subject/theme of what to draw? Both in temporary and permanent structures.
  • The cut-out type of work is very dominant in the south of India. What can be learned from it and push the envelop further?
  • Can you share a few positives and few negatives while making this street art movement? From establishments, from art creators/lovers and general audience?
  • How does street art influence the aesthetics of the overall society/area/community?
    You guys are also involved with the ‘Smart Cities’ program and the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’. Can you talk more about it?
  • What is the long term future of the St+art movement?

About Hanif Kureshi

St+art India is the brainchild of 5 co-founders all belonging to diverse backgrounds. Founded in 2014 by Arjun Bahl, Hanif Kureshi, Giulia Ambrogi, Akshat Nauriyal, and Thanish Thomas.

St+art India is a not-for-profit foundation with the intent of making art more democratic. St+art explores the synergy between art and its ability to transcend socio-cultural barriers and lead to the exchange of ideas through unique and collectively shared experiences in public space. St+art has made over, 500 artworks in 10 Indian cities with more than 100 artists from over 25 countries. You can check out Episode # 78 where I spoke to Giulia Ambrogi about the St+art project and insights into murals.

Today I have Hanif Kureshi with us on Audogyan. Hanif is a Designer, Typographer, and the Artistic Director and Co-founder of the St+art India Foundation. He is one of the most sought after artists in India. Today we are here to discuss painting on the streets.

 

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