French Artist Transforms LSR Campus with Vibrant Mural During Delhi Wall Art Festival
The Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) campus in Delhi has been adorned with a striking new mural as part of the fifth edition of the Wall Art Festival's Delhi chapter. The artwork, titled The Nightingale and the Grocery Shop, was created by French artist Olivier Poizat, known professionally as Kesadi, who traveled from France specifically for this cultural event.
Artist's Journey and Creative Process
Kesadi spent four intensive days on the LSR campus, working alongside volunteers from Delhi Street Art while engaging with students throughout the creative process. "Some students came to paint alongside me to help create the mural – it was amazing," the artist shared between brushstrokes. "The inspiration came from the fruit and vegetable stands I saw during my trip, as well as the birds in this park. My experience in Delhi went very well."
The mural represents a fusion of everyday Delhi life with natural elements, capturing the essence of ordinary moments through vibrant artistic expression.
Celebrating Women's Voices and Mundane Beauty
Organized by Alliance Française in collaboration with the Embassy of France and the Institut Français, the Wall Art Festival is being celebrated across 15 cities. Shailja Negi, Cultural Head of Alliance Française Delhi and the mural's conceptualizer, explained the deeper significance behind the artwork.
"On International Women's Day, I wanted to celebrate Sarojini Naidu and Annie Ernaux, who have inspired generations of young women to find meaning in their lived experiences," Negi stated. "The idea is to celebrate the beauty of the mundane – life as it is – and explore words and social perceptions through the voices of two agents of change."
LSR's Commitment to Artistic Empowerment
Principal Prof. Kanika Ahuja emphasized the mural's symbolic importance for the college community. "The mural reflects how we see LSR – not just as a space to be beautified, but one with symbolism," she noted. "The idea of a conversation between Sarojini Naidu and Annie Ernaux aligns with what we are trying to represent here – empowerment through the arts."
Prof. Ahuja further revealed that this artistic initiative serves as "a modest attempt by the college to mark the 2026 Year of Innovation between India and France," highlighting the international cultural exchange aspect of the project.
Student Engagement and Creative Platforms
Hive, LSR's fine arts society, has been actively involved in mural painting around campus, including creating a Lippan Art Wall. Bhargavi Charan, Convenor of Hive and assistant professor of political science, explained the society's mission.
"Hive is LSR's creative art society, and it serves as a platform for students to express their creativity," Charan said. "Since LSR is largely a humanities college, we explore art through multiple forms while also engaging with political conversations – not just within India but globally."
The society maintains an annual tradition of creating thematic murals that reflect contemporary relevance while giving students complete creative liberty to exhibit their work through various mediums including paintings and installations.
Student Perspectives on the Artistic Experience
Afia Nadeem, a second-year Sociology Honors student at LSR, shared her experience working alongside the visiting artist. "The artist has been really helpful in telling us how to go about it, how to paint things, and seeing him work has also inspired us," she expressed enthusiastically.
The Wall Art Festival at LSR has successfully created an immersive artistic environment where international collaboration meets student participation, resulting in a meaningful cultural dialogue expressed through public art.
