An artistic journey

Watercolour expert Anil Sharma and his artistic friends have launched an online exhibition attracting creatives from around the world to share their work in a bid to connect and to inspire them during the Covid-19 crackdown.

The concept came about following a brain-storming conversation between the art director of Paint & Palatte, Bahrain, and his folk artist friend, Snehalta, who is living in India, on how to keep painters motivated.

Anil, who has been an artist and teacher for more than 25 years and specialises in landscapes and watercolour, said: “We wanted to stage an online art exhibition to help support artists during Covid-19.

“Our aim was to help reduce any stress placed on the artist or viewer during the lockdown in some places and instead, divert that energy and enthusiasm towards creativity.

“As you know, creativity needs courage. Many people have been feeling tense during the pandemic as some are isolated from everyone and everything.

“This exhibition continues to act as a platform that brings artists and like-minded people together to share their inspirations and art pieces without having to leave their homes.”

The exhibition, entitled Endless Journey (A journey of art and artists during Covid-19), was organised by Anil and his wife Manti, who is also a painter, along with sculptor Rajesh Kumar and Snehlata. His friends and owners of the art school in Jannusan, Karinaz and Qays Al Zubin, also supported them on the artistic endeavour.

An Endless Journey Facebook page was launched with an e-catalogue gallery for viewing featuring the works of 100 artists from around the world, including Egypt, India, Australia, US, Nepal and, of course, Bahrain.

Most of the paintings were presented in black and white and artists were allowed to use any medium to create them. Anil, who submitted an abstract piece in acrylic paint, said: “Since many people could not go out, they were encouraged to work with any medium they had and whatever they were comfortable with.”

The exhibition boasted contemporary art, landscapes, Indian mythology, Indian folk art, abstract, digital art, photography, graphic prints and more.

Videos of concerts, featuring Indian classical folk music and songs in form of Raga, were featured on the Facebook page as well. A raga is a melodic framework for improvisation akin to a melodic mode in Indian classical music.

Although the exhibition ended last week, the catalogue can still be viewed on Facebook. If visitors are interested in purchasing any of the artwork, they can contact Anil on 36050865, and all proceeds will be donated to a charity supporting Covid-19 relief.

Art has always played an important role in Anil’s life. He studied art at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and has been a mentor and coach to many artists for several years, helping them achieve their fullest potential and strokes of success. He also developed over the years as a Colour Field painter and mastered colour theory. The colours of his paintings feature an array of resplendent light and vivid colours. His themes range from abstract figures to surreal landscapes with exaggerated colour and glowing foliage.

His fondness for art, in particular watercolours, encouraged him to publish his book, Wisdom in Watercolour, in April last year which his son Kishan, a fine arts student at BHU, helped him with, as well as one of his students.

Anil said: “Art should always be a part of our society and the world. This pandemic should not limit our creativity but give us an opportunity to use this time to reflect and create. The exhibition was such a success that we are now launching another online exhibition targeting young artists aged five to 19 and we will hold another for adults later on.”

Details for the online art exhibition for young painters are currently featured on the Endless Journey Facebook page and the deadline for submissions is June 25.