A New Face on Manaveeyam Veedhi How French Artist Dey MKO Painted Identity in Thiruvananthapuram

A new splash of colour has appeared on one of Thiruvananthapuram’s well-known cultural streets, and it’s stirring interest in both local art lovers and visitors.

French artist Dey MKO has unveiled a large mural on Manaveeyam Veedhi, the vibrant stretch in the Kerala capital known for its public art and performances. The artwork, titled Verukal (Roots), Identities, portrays a woman woven into a tapestry of natural elements. It reflects themes of identity, the environment and the experiences the artist has gathered during her time in India.

Rather than working alone, Dey MKO chose to collaborate with students and young creators from the city, turning the mural into a shared project. Her aim was not just to paint a wall but to build bridges between cultures and highlight voices that might otherwise go unseen. The figure at the centre stands out not only for its striking lines but for how it connects personal history with a collective sense of belonging.

The choice of Manaveeyam Veedhi as the setting is fitting. The street has long been a canvas for artistic expression and community-driven creativity, with murals and installations contributing to the city’s narrative of art in public life.

For many in Thiruvananthapuram, the new mural is a reminder that street art isn’t just decoration. It is a conversation — between cultures, between generations, and between the artist and the people who pass by every day.