10-day exhibition of 'The Great Indian Desert' opens in UK

Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has inaugurated a 10-day exhibition showcasing the rural life of Rajasthan by artist-cum-administrator Kiran Soni Gupta, describing the artist and her work as 'pride of India'.

Appreciating the exhibits which was opened at the Nehru Centre here last evening, Lord Paul said that Kiran, who is the Divisional Commissioner in Jaipur, has "accomplished the difficult task of combing art and administration and keeping her record clean."

Director of the Centre Monika Mohta said, "There is a revolution happening in contemporary art in India and the Nehru Centre is trying to bring a taste of it for the art-lovers here."

Describing Kiran as an artist, writer and an activist administrator, Mohta said: "It is through the brush and paint that Kiran's creativity finds best illustration.

Her works reflect not only her conviction on issues of women, children, poverty, development and environment, but also her sensitivity, keen observation, and also an abounding faith in humanity."

From sketches, pen and ink works to mixed media, Kiran has given new dimensions to art forms, both traditional and modern. Creativity with colours and experimentation has given her work depth as well as impact.

Diverse assignments have provided her opportunities to travel and also, to stay with amidst nature as different as the tropical forests and beaches of Kerala and the desert scrublands of Rajasthan.

"This exposure finds expression in her landscapes in oil, water colours and also mixed media," Mohta said.

The iconic influence of the spirituality of her surroundings is seen in many of her paintings in the Tanjore style.

Kiran said it was a delight to bring the art exhibits "The Great Indian Desert" to London.

She said that she was doubly blessed to get the encouragement and support from Lord Paul to hold the exhibition.

"When we think of Lord Paul, we feel proud of his achievements - his entrepreneurship, achievements and success," she said, adding "painting has been my childhood hobby and it has now become a passion."

Kiran has produced a series of more than three dozen works titled the 'Harmony' reflecting various forms of the relationships between man and his environment.

Her works have been exhibited at different national/international events more recently at California, Boston, New York, Cambridge, Toronto, Chicago, London, Iran and Sri Lanka.

Her paintings on the 'Famine' depicting its impact on women and children in India won her a National Award.