Impressions of Lodhi

Yip Yew Chong (1969), or YC, is a muralist from Singapore. His works are inspired by scenes from '70s and '80s Singapore. He draws inspiration from old photographs and his childhood memories. His take on Singaporean street culture showcases a soft blend of the uniqueness and simplicity preserved by the local people. He usually creates murals at eye level, giving them an interactive twist, encouraging the public to become a part of them. After working as a full-time accountant, Yip Yew quit his job in 2018 to be a full-time street artist who participates in festivals, community and government-sanctioned projects.

Yip Yew used his semi-realistic style to paint a mural inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of Lodhi Colony. When he arrived, he took a stroll across the bustling neighbourhood market and the nearby Lodhi Garden, where he saw colourful shawls and smelled the aroma of sweet masala chai (tea) and ‘mithaai’ (sweets).

Through this mural, the artist wanted to trigger a sense of nostalgia for the passersby. The simplicity that is still part of Lodhi’s landscape - from the sound of a flute seller to the ubiquitous sights of cows and children studying on open terraces- has disappeared from many neighbourhoods in New Delhi. Therefore, this mural is Yip Yew’s way of offering a moment frozen in time, in which everyone can reminisce about their own memories. It also celebrates Lodhi Colony as a heartwarming neighbourhood in which community living is still a big part of life, something that is to be admired and preserved.

The artist also created interactive sections in the painting which invite viewers to become a part of the mural - from having a cup of tea, to becoming a part of the barber shop!