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Bahrain-based artist Pallavi Jain has unveiled her debut solo exhibition entitled Prithvi – Earth Breathing Through Art, featuring creations inspired by natural elements, including iconic local symbols.
Prithvi – meaning ‘earth’ – will highlight 18 mixed media artworks, reflecting the Indian expatriate’s connection with nature and humanity.
The ‘eco-warrior’ has channelled her passion for the environment with textured paintings on canvas using materials like paper, fabric, sand and acrylics.
Some of the artworks include Kalpavriksha, which reflects Mithila folk art and nods to the kingdom’s Tree of Life, symbolising abundance and interconnectedness through bold lines and intricate patterns.
Lulu captures the subtle iridescence of the ‘pearl’, and Surya, the sun’s radiant energy through vibrant hues and dynamic brushstrokes.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Al Hilal Group managing director Ronnie Middleton, A M Yateem Brothers director Shirley Yateem and Shura Council member Redha Faraj.
Guest of honour and Indian Ambassador Vinod Jacob and Bahrain Down Syndrome Society executive manager Ahmed Al Ali were also in attendance, alongside other notable dignitaries, art enthusiasts and members of the community.
Part of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to Bahrain Down Syndrome Society to raise awareness for the cause and foster inclusivity.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21.
The exhibition follows World Down Syndrome Day, annually celebrated on March 21. This year’s theme was ‘Improve our support systems’, drawing focus on advocating for governmental improvements in support systems to facilitate full community inclusion.
“I have always had a deep affinity towards nature and environmental causes and this exhibition is a wonderful way to express it,” the 51-year-old, who has been living in Bahrain for the last 10 years, told GulfWeekly.
“I believe that the inclusion of children with special needs in the mainstream is vital and Prithvi seeks to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect our environment for our children,” she explained.
The creative talent and wordsmith from Saar hopes to stage more exhibitions in the future, supporting other causes. Last year, her poem was featured in The Mountain Was Abuzz, an anthology compiling diverse interpretations of the Asian mountain range, Himalayas, which consists of Mount Everest – the highest peak in the world.
Prithvi – Earth Breathing Through Art will run until May 15 at Harbour Gate in Manama and is open for viewing from 10am to 10pm.
For more details, follow @bhoomi_our_land on Instagram.
