RiNo Art District and Denver Sister Cities International collaborate to bring artists from Chennai, India marking the 40th anniversary of Denver and Chennai as sister cities.
July 18, 2024
RiNo Art District, in partnership with Denver Sister Cities International, announces a collaboration between Chennai, India and Denver for a Mural Artist Exchange, celebrating four decades of friendship and cooperation between Denver and Chennai as sister cities.
On July 18, Chennai artist A-Kill and Denver artists Koco Collab will unveil the result of their mural installation in The Alley, adjacent to Noble Riot off of 27th Street between Larimer and Walnut Streets. The mural is designed to reflect both the vibrant street culture of Chennai and the natural beauty of Colorado. The mural features Pookkari (a woman who sells flowers), representing Chennai's vibrant street life, surrounded by plumeria flowers, coastal elements, and traditional patterns. Denver's influence appears with trees and a moon, symbolizing universal connectivity. This artwork beautifully merges Chennai's everyday culture with Denver's natural beauty.
"Art can be such a powerful tool for education and understanding,” said Alye Sharp, Executive Director of RiNo Art District. “It challenges us to see things from another’s perspective and eliminate the perceived boundaries between people. We’re so proud to be supporting this piece as part of RiNo’s Public Art Program."
The Mural was installed this week in conjunction with the Denver Taste of India Festival. Additionally, an artist Q&A will take place to discuss the collaboration and cultural exchanges between Chennai and Denver. The panel is open to the public and will take place Thursday, July 18, 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at The Alley in front of the mural.
"Citizen diplomacy has always been a bright light in challenging times,” said Sacha Francois Heppell, Executive Director of Denver Sister Cities International. “Together with RiNo Art District, we look forward to raising awareness for the many ways everyday people can promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation."
In 2022, the RiNo Mural Program featured a collaboration between local muralists and artists from Brest, France. Brest artists Wen2 (Gwendal Huet) and Worm (Eddy Barclem) and students from L’Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO) installed a mural at 32nd and Blake in the Five Points neighborhood alongside local artists Anna Charney and Mike Graves.