Sun Brings Smiles

“Sun Brings Smiles” is part of the “Suraj Se Samriddh” campaign that is advocating for the prosperous, green and clean development of Uttar Pradesh. It supports the first-of-its-kind “Solar City Program” from the UP Government that seeks to solarise cities in the state by 2024. The campaign also brings attention to the culture of the state of UP - shared amongst citizens with different backgrounds - believing that this solar energy endeavour can also support a holistic development of the region at large.

St+art India Foundation’s contribution to “Suraj Se Samriddh” is through this public art intervention by artist Daku. The artwork seeks to celebrate the essence of UP as being home to diverse and shared identities, while nurturing an equal sense of belonging beyond class, religion, gender or any difference. Daku uses his signature shadow-work, which is activated by the sun, to reveal smiling portraits of people from all walks of life. A reminder of the immense strength in unity, he alludes to the power of the sun - an all-encompassing energy that continually enriches our inner and outer lives.