Nagpur: In a celebration of art and femininity, the Mahakalpa Artist Academy, in collaboration with Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines, launched the ‘Women’s Palette’ fine art exhibition in Nagpur on Tuesday. This three-day event coincides with International Women’s Day, embracing the profound impact of art in forging connections, evoking emotions, and inspiring the essence of our shared humanity. The exhibition promises a diverse showcase of artistic expressions, providing a platform to celebrate women’s creativity and contributions to the world of fine arts.
The exhibits consist of artistic works under different categories such as painting, sculpture, photography, craft, and calligraphy by around 35 women hailing from the city and nearby regions. The exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of chief guests Dr Madhavi Khode Chaware, Additional Divisional Commissioner; Dr Vandana Bokil Kulkarni, Author and Researcher; Dr Suruchi Dabir, Author and Academician; Bharti Zade, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer, Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation; Sanghamitra Dhoke, Divisional Joint Commissioner; Ishita Chaudhury of Mahakalpa Artist Academy; and Swati Kale, Joint Commissioner, GST, Maharashtra.
A book titled ‘Vedh Sanskruticha’, written by Swati Kale, was also launched during inaugural event, and is based on the rich culture and heritage of Maharashtra. The exhibition highlights the celebration of creativity, passion, and indomitable spirit of women, with each artwork reflecting a unique perspective and creativity of the artists. It showcases the power of art, its ability to change perspectives, and win hearts.
Ishita Chaudhury’s artwork titled ‘To be soft is to be powerful’ showcases the concept of inner strength blended with grace and the nurturing side of a woman. It conveys that a woman can be both gentle and powerful at the same time. Deepali Limbekar’s digital artwork titled ‘Untold Stories’ depicts the unexpressed emotions and inner feelings of a woman. Dr Neeta Deshpande’s artwork presents an imaginary scene set-up of the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
The exhibition also displays traditional art forms from different regions of India, including Smita Aloni’s Phad painting, a story-based artwork from Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Suhani Jain’s work primarily focuses on ‘line work’, integrating the concept of lines with human emotions and feelings that tend to switch and change rapidly.
Fatemaa Akolawala, a self-taught artist, creates works mostly based on floral art. She tries to showcase feminine energy and the ability to bloom and flourish despite the traumas and hardships one faces in life. Shivani Bhawsa’s artwork uses ‘eco print’ and ‘chlorophyll print’ techniques, employing fresh leaves to create intricate impressions on coloured backgrounds. Swati Naphade’s art piece titled ‘Absolute reality is a myth’ demonstrates the ever changing nature of reality. By incorporating a mirror as part of the artwork, it allows viewers to see themselves and become part of the piece.
Yasmin Qureshi, a promising artist with a disability, was felicitated by dignitaries for her acrylic painting titled ‘Bee’. Her artwork reflects her thoughts and inner self. The program is conceptualised by Ravindra Durugkar, Cultural Consultant, Chitnavis Centre, and the inaugural event was moderated by Pragati Waghmare. The exhibition will remain open for visitors on March 6 and 7 between 10 am to 8 pm.