Lucknow: The Alliance Française de Lucknow unveiled a striking new mural by French street artist Olivier Kesadi at Le Press, as part of the nationwide Wall Art India – 5th Edition, a month-long urban art movement connecting India and France across 15 cities.
A Historic and Cultural Connection
The event carried a remarkable historical resonance. Kesadi once studied at La Martinière School in Lyon—the hometown of Claude Martin, the French adventurer who founded the prestigious La Martiniere schools in Lucknow, lived in the city, and is buried here. This coincidence symbolically bridged centuries of Indo-French exchange, reinforcing Lucknow’s longstanding cultural ties with France.
The Mural: A Tribute to Lucknow
Kesadi, known for blending graffiti aesthetics with poetic everyday imagery, created a mural that captures the essence of Lucknow’s architectural and cultural identity. The artwork features the iconic Rumi Darwaza, a traditional tonga, a fruit-laden cart, and visual references to Le Press itself—an iconic cultural space located on the historic site of the Nawal Kishore Press (established in 1858), one of India’s most influential publishing houses.
Speaking about his experience, Kesadi expressed admiration for Lucknow’s architectural grandeur, refined tehzeeb, and culinary richness, particularly enjoying kebabs, mutton delicacies, and paan. Passionate about travelling and exhibiting murals worldwide, he described Lucknow as a city where heritage and contemporary life coexist beautifully.
Distinguished Presence at the Inauguration
The unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of Prof. Nishi Pandey, President of Alliance Française Lucknow; Director Nicolas Macé; board members Prof. Meeta Ghosh and Arvind Mishra; along with faculty members and students. Le Press was represented by its owner Nimmi Dubey. The event was also graced by Mansi Didwania of Kala Srot Art Gallery and Deborah from Kala Kendra, reflecting strong local artistic collaboration.
The ceremony included a public interaction session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the artist and understand the creative vision behind the mural.
Wall Art India – A National Urban Art Movement
Led by the Alliance Française network in collaboration with the Embassy of France in India and Institut Français, Wall Art India has, since 2021, transformed public walls into open-air galleries. The 2026 edition runs from February 10 to March 9 across 15 cities, bringing together four internationally recognised artists—three from France (including one from Réunion) and one Indian artist—for collaborative, community-driven mural projects.
The featured artists include:
- Khatra (India), known for bold typographic abstraction
- Kashink (France), a prominent feminist street artist
- Kesadi (France), inspired by lived urban realities
- Dey MKO (France/Reunion), exploring resilience and collective narratives
2026 Theme: Women, Horizons & New Voices
This year’s theme places women’s creativity and emerging urban voices at the forefront, promoting inclusion, participation, and innovation. Workshops, public interactions, and collaborative creations form a core part of the initiative. The grand finale will take place in Bengaluru on March 8, International Women’s Day, featuring a monumental collaborative mural.
Art Beyond Institutions
Since its inception, Wall Art India has created over 40 murals across India and Sri Lanka, drawing thousands of visitors and significant media attention. By moving art beyond galleries into public spaces, the initiative affirms art as a tool for dialogue, urban transformation, and cross-cultural understanding.
In Lucknow, Kesadi’s mural now stands not just as a work of art, but as a symbol of shared heritage, living creativity, and the enduring friendship between India and France.
