Untitled: David Leitner 2

David Leitner (1992) is an Austrian visual artist known for his surreal work that juxtaposes forgotten photographs with contemporary contexts. His art, characterized by simplistic yet cerebral line drawings and paintings, has been showcased across Europe and Asia, including collaborations with brands like Adidas, Absolut, and Vans. In 2018, Leitner curated his first solo show, ‘Thanks for following,’ exploring the intersection of self-portraiture and 21st-century selfie culture. In Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, Leitner's mural addresses urban polarities, highlighting the clash between enduring traditions and the pollution from single-use plastics. His comic book-style mural, featuring women in traditional Saaris as guardians of heritage, contrasts with the environmental degradation surrounding them. The black and white composition provides a stark contrast to the colorful Indian streets, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked contrasts.

Leitner incorporated factual data in his mural, such as ‘In India, out of every 10 lakh plastic bottles bought, only 9% get recycled’ and ‘8 Lakh plastic waste enters the sea every year,’ urging citizens to protect the environment before it severely impacts livelihoods and ecosystems.