The 'Art Stations’ project is an endeavour to transform transit spaces into walk-through galleries for the public and a diffused museum within the city. Done in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the project is an opportunity to offer road and metro commuters of Delhi an art experience through murals in a democratic and accessible way. During St+art Delhi 2016, the Govindpuri metro station became the first Art Station in New Delhi.
In 2017, the Arjan Garh metro station became the second Art Station in the city of New Delhi. The artworks at Govindpuri and Arjan Garh metro stations inspired the Delhi Metro Rail corporation to have further art interventions at various metro stations.
The Arjan Garh station was transformed into a wonderfully vibrant space by Singaporean artists Samantha Lo and Soph O., Mexican artist Senkoe, and Indian artists Nilesh and Siddhart, making it a true blend of ideas and cultures. The project aimed to celebrate nature, the four different artists with their unique styles collaborated to actualize it.
Through their piece, Sam and Soph attempted to highlight the richness of the flora and fauna associated with Arjan Garh, which used to be a forest before urban developments. They used birds as symbols of freedom and peace. The composition was such that they made the wall seem to tear apart to show the nature within. Their use of bright colours and intricate patterns from Singapore not only captivated the viewers but also formed a melting point of cultural exchange between the two countries. The artists wanted their work to remind people about the beauty these creatures inherently possess, as well as pay homage to their spirit of survival.
The artist duo finished their work in three weeks and were hosted at the Sanskriti Kendra and the beautiful surroundings of the residency inspired their artwork.
Mexican artist Senkoe draws his inspiration from nature. He is famous for his use of brightly patterned birds and animals in his murals. In Arjan Garh, Senkoe engaged in the dialogue of birds with his own brilliant take on the species, flying in and out of each other placed against a background of Delhi’s historic architecture.
For walls inside the metro station, artist Nilesh, through his murals and his distinctive style, narrated the indigenous identity of spaces and the personal stories of people. He painted the inner walls of the station with animals such as monkeys and peacocks, which are commonly found in and around the area.
For walls inside the metro station, artist Nilesh, through his murals and his distinctive style, narrated the indigenous identity of spaces and the personal stories of people. He painted the inner walls of the station with animals such as monkeys and peacocks, which are commonly found in and around the area.
In addition, volunteers Pranav Gohil and Abhishek Daga painted the staircase leading to the concourse on one side, and in-house artists Siddhart and Dutta Raj painted the stairs on the opposite side. The project which was finished over the course of 2 months, was made possible with gracious support from the Singapore High Commission and the Singapore Tourism Board.
