Sandeep Johal
A Love Letter to Mithai

Artist statement—

This mural design is a love letter to mithai (Indian sweets), an integral part of South Asian culture. It pays homage to the business owner’s long family tradition of sweet making. Set against a rich marigold background are two Indian archways framing two different tiers of mithai. They are flanked on either side by flowers composed of a jalebi-like mithai called Imarti. The colour palette is bold and bright, and the patterning moves from soft florals to geometric motifs.

On the smaller wall, a tea cup filled with hot chai with a variety of mithai on its plate is set against a floral wallpaper type background. Chai and mithai are staples of every Indian household, providing a warm welcome to those who enter, a sense of connection, joy, and love.