Mahatma Gandhi Mural, ITO, Delhi

In January 2014, as part of the St+art Delhi festival, the Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO became the site of a collaboration between St+art India Foundation and a government body. German artist Hendrick ECB and Indian artist Anpu created a monumental 152-foot mural of Mahatma Gandhi on the facade, which became India’s tallest Gandhi mural. This project required the tallest industrial crane available in India and was completed within five days, using only a postcard-sized image as a reference. The mural was completed just before India’s Republic Day, with the artists working 12-hour shifts alongside Republic Day parade rehearsals. Hendrick and Anpu found a unique vantage point on the rooftop of a nearby mosque, where they would review their progress and plan each step. Symbolically, this mural represents a pioneering moment for art in public institutions, showcasing India’s progressive approach to integrating cultural elements into government spaces. The mural’s inauguration by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on January 30, 2014, marked a significant milestone, demonstrating art’s potential to bridge public spaces and cultural dialogue.