Lodhi Art Gallery: An Umatched Artistic Experience

In India’s capital, New Delhi lies a developing gem that began its creation in 2015 and has expanded into a mesmerizing street full of culture, art, and life. The Lodhi Art District, one of the trendiest areas in town, boasts murals and unique artwork created by artists both locally and from around the world. In my experience opinion, it is one of the finest compilations of artwork in the world. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about the outdoor Lodhi Art Gallery, from artists to artwork, and even where to grab a quick bite while you’re at it.

The Lodhi Art Street: A Brief History

In 2015, the non-profit art organization St+Art India Foundation began adding color and art to major cities all across India. With its pristine architecture offering blank slates for artists, New Delhi became a prime area to house what is now the Lodhi Art District. As this was a major project, the non-profit also utilized New Delhi’s government (Central Public Works Department and the New Delhi Municipal Council), the Swachh Bharat Mission which campaigns for and works toward clean drinking water and public sanitation, and, finally, the residents of the Lodhi colony.

As part of the annual Lodhi Street Art Festival, artists from around the world as well as ones local to New Delhi are able to turn publicly owned buildings into breathtaking masterpieces, capturing the heart and soul of New Delhi and those who inhabit it.

Featured Artists

The outdoor Lodhi Art Gallery features artists both locally and internationally. NeSpoon, Yip Yew Chong, and Reko Rennie are just a few of the many talented street artists who have contributed to the Lodhi Art District.

NeSpoon: “New Delhi”

NeSpoon is a talented artist from Poland, who is well known for her love and creation of lace-inspired paintings. Here she is featured with her lace mural on the Lodhi Art Street. This beautiful masterpiece, however, is not just credited to her. As lace is a traditionally female material, she obtained the assistance of women from the Aga Khan Foundation in order to create intricate lace detailing, which she then spray-painted to create her mural.

Avinash and Kamesh: “The Tourist”

This striking and thought-provoking image was inspired by the tourists of the Lodhi Art District. While patrons will spend hours walking the streets and photographing the artwork, Avinash and Kamesh created a mural where the walls shoot pictures back. A nod to the selfie-takers of the world, “The Tourist” speaks volumes with no words involved.

Yip Yew Chong: “Impressions of Lodhi”

Yip Yew Chong is a mural artist originally from China. He focuses on semi-realism in his artwork, creating images that are both striking, and unique, and always leaving something for the viewer to interpret in his work. His mural for the Lodhi Art District, “Impressions of Lodhi” was inspired by the surrounding areas and the artists’ perception of the town. Its purpose is to pay respect to the people of Lodhi Colony.

Reko Rennie: “Original Aboriginal”

Rennie’s unique geometric shapes are a signature characteristic of his work as an artist which are inspired by his indigenous Kimilaroi heritage. The title of the mural, “Original Aboriginal”, stems from the aboriginal tribe he belongs to, which is indigenous to Australia. This tribe uses many geometric patterns to create beautiful art, something we see here in Reko Rennie’s amazing mural.

Nafir: “Don’t Let This Symbolism Kill Your Heart”

Nafir’s mural of a woman who is accented with various traditional symbolism depicts the oppression experienced by women in the East. This statement, made to support women, is both thought-provoking and highly detailed, making it one of the more outspoken, yet subtle, pieces on Lodhi Art Street.

Something that many onlookers may not notice, and something to pay attention to if you find yourself in the Lodhi Art District, is the woman’s neck. Around it is an antenna, which is symbolic of the different lives women live online versus the reality of what women live through in less progressive areas of India.

Blaise: “Amma”

One of my favorite pieces of work on Lodhi Art Street is “Amma” by Blaise. This mural is a nod to the grandmother of all the people of New Delhi (and the world). Traditionally, Amma is a woman who strives to help others and who has dedicated her life to giving back to the rest of the world. Those needing food and shelter are provided by her, and she strives for equality for all of humankind. This is a peaceful and beautiful image of a person we should all strive to be and is a great addition and must be seen in the Lodhi Art Gallery.

My Dream: A vision of a world in which women and men progress together, a world in which all men respect the fact that, like the two wings of a bird, women and men are of equal value.

– Amma

Grab a Bite: Best Places to Eat in Lodhi Art District

Seeing the entire Lodhi Art District will take about an hour on foot, which is just enough time to work up an appetite. Not only does Lodhi Art Street boost amazing art, but it is also home to some amazing food.

La Vie Pizzeria

Located in the Khan Market of New Delhi, La Vie Pizzeria is a great spot for pizza lovers who want handmade and unique pizzas that will make your mouth water. Swing in between murals to grab a slice at one of the best wood oven pizza shops in town.

Khan Chacha

Find this infamous roll restaurant in the Khan Market, serving a unique variety of rolls to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include the Mutton Tikka Roll, the Chicken Seekh Roll, or (for the vegetarian art enthusiast) the Veg Hariyali Roll.

Wok in the Clouds

Wok in the Clouds is an upscale bistro and bar boasting a world-famous ambiance and food that is on par with the upscale digs. What’s even better is that they are fully staffed with a team of senior chefs, who are constantly pushing the culinary limits and experimenting with new flavors and techniques. Definitely, a place for foodies who want to make memories and try something new, Wok in the Clouds should definitely be on your list of places to visit while on Lodhi Art Street.

Mamagoto

Are you a sushi lover looking for an incredible spot for fresh fish? Mamagoto has this and so much more. This restaurant, which turns out some of the best local food around, has an extensive sushi menu and, for those who aren’t sushi fans, a regular menu full of traditional Indian food.

Wrapping It Up: The Lodhi Art Street Experience

I can’t stress enough how important it is to go check out this amazingly diverse street. It’s one of the most amazing experiences that New Delhi has to offer, full of culture, art, and great food. Whether you want to stop by for a quick tour to see the murals, or make an entire afternoon of it by swinging by something for food and drink with friends, the Lodhi Art Gallery is definitely a place to put on your bucket list!