The Artist Who Painted India’s Streets with Hope and Heritage Passes Away

Farewell to Hanif Kureshi. The Artist Who Turned India’s Walls into Canvases of Culture

With the passing of Hanif Kureshi, the world has lost not only a prolific artist but a pioneer who changed the face of public art in India. Credited with bringing art to the very streets we walk, Hanif’s legacy is far-reaching, from the intricate hand-painted signs that peppered India’s neighborhoods to the bold murals that transformed cities. As co-founder of St+art India, his mission was simple but profound: to make art accessible to everyone, to blur the lines between galleries and public spaces.

Born with an innate love for traditional Indian hand-lettering and street signs, Hanif’s artistic journey began in the by-lanes of India, where he sought out signboard painters, commissioning them to capture the essence of their unique typographies. Recognizing the fading patronage of these local crafts, he digitized these fonts, preserving a cultural heritage under the banner of his HandpaintedType project.

But it was his work with St+art that truly brought his vision to life. From the vibrant murals of Delhi’s Lodhi Colony to collaborative projects across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Hanif didn’t just create art — he created dialogue. His works, whether painted in bold strokes on towering city walls or delicately translated into braille for visually challenged students, reflected his deep belief in the power of art to connect people and communities.

Internationally renowned, his work was showcased at some of the most prestigious global art events — from the Venice Biennale to the London Design Biennale — yet he remained grounded, forever committed to the people and streets of his homeland. His passion, vision, and boundless creativity will continue to inspire generations of artists.

Hanif Kureshi may no longer wield his brush, but his art lives on, etched on walls and hearts, reminding us of the beauty in the ordinary, and the power of art to transform the everyday. Rest in peace, Hanif. Your canvas was the world, and your art will forever be in its streets.