Asian Paints, in collaboration with St+art Foundation and XXL Collective, has launched two public art initiatives in Srinagar to celebrate Kashmir's cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
The first initiative, Aks-e-Kashmir, reimagines 40 shikaras on Dal Lake as floating artworks created by artists Owais Ahmed, Sheehij Kaul, Zahra Javed and Shweta Sharma. Inspired by the Valley's artistic traditions, each shikara has been transformed using a combination of Asian Paints' decorative coatings, wood finishes and furnishing solutions.
The second initiative marks the 10th edition of Donate A Wall, with an 11,500 sq. ft. mural at the University of Kashmir's Allama Iqbal Library. Conceptualised by Srinagar-based architect and artist Zoya Kashmiri, the mural draws inspiration from the university's motto, "तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय" (From Darkness to Light), and has been created using Asian Paints Apex Ultima Protek.
Commenting on the initiative, Amit Syngle, Managing Director & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd., said, "At Asian Paints, we've always believed that the most meaningful way to celebrate a place is by celebrating what makes it uniquely its own. Over the years, our regional initiatives have sought to honour the stories, traditions and cultural identities that define different parts of India - from celebrating Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis as moving symbols of the city's spirit to the shikaras that have created experiences inspired by the colours, culture and heritage of Kashmir. This tribute continues that journey. For centuries, Kashmir has inspired admiration not only for its extraordinary landscapes, but for the people, craftsmanship and traditions that have shaped its identity. Through Aks-e-Kashmir and the Kashmir chapter of Donate A Wall, we wanted to create something that belongs to the Valley and reflects its living heritage. We hope these initiatives invite both residents and visitors to experience Kashmir through its stories, its artistry and the remarkable cultural legacy that continues to inspire generations."
Arjun Bahl, Co-founder, St+art Foundation and XXL Collective, said, “Projects like Aks-e-Kashmir and the Donate A Wall mural at the University of Kashmir, which also marks a decade of the initiative, reflect our continued belief in taking art beyond conventional spaces and making it part of everyday public life. For XXL Collective, this has been about expanding the role of public art beyond walls and static sites and showing how design can enter living systems with sensitivity. While the mural carries forward the legacy of Donate A Wall, the reimagined shikaras on Dal Lake represent a new canvas for artistic expression rooted in Kashmir's culture and traditions. We are grateful to Asian Paints for enabling a project of this scale, and to the artists, artisans, boat owners and production teams whose work has allowed these boats to become carriers of Kashmir's stories in a renewed form."
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, said, "We are delighted to partner with Asian Paints and St+art Foundation for the landmark tenth edition of 'Donate A Wall'. The breathtaking mural on our Allama Iqbal Library façade brings our university's motto - ‘From Darkness to Light’ - to life in a truly powerful way. This initiative does more than just transform our university’s architecture; it enriches our academic environment, instills a sense of pride in our student community, and celebrates Kashmir's rich cultural heritage right at the heart of our campus."
According to the company, the initiatives build on its earlier Kashmir-focused projects, including the Aks-e-Kashmir Shade Guide and the Apex Ultima Kashmir Pack, extending its efforts to celebrate the region's cultural identity through public art.
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