Hanif Kureshi was more than just a senior to us—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a friend who transformed the way we experience art in our cities. His sudden passing at the age of 41 was a tremendous shock, not just to those of us who knew him personally but to the entire artistic community and beyond. In the short time we had with him, Hanif lived an incredibly large and meaningful life. His legacy is felt in every mural, every street corner, and every piece of public art that he helped bring to life.
As co-founder of St+art India, Hanif believed that art should belong to everyone. He took art out of the confines of galleries and brought it to the streets, making it a part of the everyday lives of people. Through his leadership, forgotten public spaces were turned into vibrant, open-air galleries where the walls told stories—stories of the people, the culture, and the communities that thrived around them.
Delhi’s Lodhi Art District, the first of its kind in India, stands as a testament to his vision. Under his guidance, artists from across the world transformed blank, overlooked walls into masterpieces that spoke to every passerby, making art truly accessible to all.
Hanif's passion for ‘typography’ was another part of his unique vision. His Handpainted Type project celebrates India’s rich tradition of hand-painted signage, ensuring that the vibrant street culture was preserved and elevated. For him, even letters had personality; they were an extension of the culture, a piece of India’s visual heritage.
His loss is felt deeply by all of us. We may not have had enough time with him, but in the time we did have, he lived big, leaving a mark that will endure for generations. His work wasn’t just about art—it was about community, connection, and expression. As we remember him, we take comfort in the fact that his spirit lives on in every mural, in every neighborhood he helped transform. Hanif showed us that art is something to be experienced, felt, and lived. His legacy will continue to inspire, long after he's gone.
Source : www.architectureplusdesign.in, Hanif Kureshi Instagram
Comments