Artists bring alive culture of Punjab on walls

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 24

In a unique initiative to beautify Amritsar, the local Municipal Corporation has hired artists to depict the culture of Punjab on walls, pillars and bridges across the city.

Two Delhi-based artists from Shipchul Wall Arts started their art work last week. They have completed some work on Airport Road. The artists painted four persons performing bhangra on Airport Road to welcome tourists.

Now, they have been painting to depict the ‘Teej’ festival on walls of flyover bridge outside Hall Gate. A large painting showing women celebrating ‘Teej’ festival is near completion.

An artist Parnav Sharma said, “The MC has asked us to show culture of Punjab. We will paint different themes on separate walls and bridges of the city. But, all themes will be from the culture of Punjab.”

Officials of the MC have suggested themes for every bridge to the artists. “We are doing wall paintings from several years. We have painted in New Delhi and Mumbai. This is first time, when we are painting on cultural themes. It is a good experience as culture of Punjab is colorful and lively. Being a Punjabi, I am enjoying this work,” said Sharma.

The artists are getting overwhelming response from residents.

Other artist Ashutosh Kumar said, “Residents come and appreciate us for our work. Sometimes, commuters give us thumbs up. The people come and click selfies with wall paintings. They take our contact number and suggest themes”.

It is worth mentioning here that the Punjab government has initiated wall painting work in all cities. Roads, pillars and bridges in Ludhiana and Jalandhar were painted with different themes.