Wildlife SOS in alliance with Art Spice at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa collaborated with Singapore-based artist Alpana Ahuja to host a month long exhibition titled ‘Ganpati to Gajah’ at Art Spice.
Smt Maneka Gandhi, Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Welfare, inaugurated the art exhibition, and gave an eloquent speech on her passion for wildlife conservation, on the achievements of Wildlife SOS, words of encouragement for artist Alpana, and for her soul touching works. She also encouraged Art Spice’s efforts for supporting elephant conservation program. She said, “I hope this movement gains strength as we go along, and we find practical solutions of how this planet earth can be shared, both by mankind and the animals.” This was followed by a brief talk by Wildlife SOS co-founder, Kartick Satyanarayan on the organization’s efforts and plans for elephant welfare and conservation. The exhibition is open for public viewing till 19th September 2014.
The fund-raiser witnessed eminent personalities from all walks of life supporting the cause like designer Sanjana Jon, artist Gopi Gajwani, Neeraj Gupta from Delhi Art Society, designer Madhu Jain, Kavita Ashok, amongst others.
‘Ganpathi to Gajah’ features the collaborative works of a rescued elephant Phoolkali, and Singapore-based, India-born artist, Alpana Ahuja, who worked closely for several months with Indian Wildlife Conservation Non-Governmental Organization Wildlife SOS to understand the challenges Indian elephants face in the wild and in captivity. Alpana’s collaboration with Phoolkali took place at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center – India’s first ever chain free facility for elephants! Together, they created a series of unique and stunning images on canvas, a first of its kind in India.
Alpana said, “I was moved to tears when I saw the plight of the elephants, but I was filled with hope when I saw the efforts made by NGO Wildlife SOS to heal and protect these elephants. Rescued elephant Phoolkali was my inspiration and I collaborated with her to create these unique colors. These unique prints and other artworks represent the animals’ “March to Freedom”.
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder-Wildlife SOS spoke briefly about the efforts of Wildlife SOS to protect wildlife and long term plans for elephant conservation and welfare. Adding to this, Geeta Seshamani, co founder-Wildlife SOS said, “Ganpati or Lord Ganesha is the one who removes all the obstacles, and then there is Gajah, the wonderful, magnificent, compassionate elephant who should be roaming free in the jungles.”
Visitors to the exhibition witnessed the amazing riot of colors created by elephant Phoolkali & Alpana, and enjoyed an opportunity to buy a unique piece of art while also supporting elephant conservation in India. A video of how the paintings were created was also displayed in the gallery.
Exhibition’s
Duration – 23rd August to 19th September, 2014
Venue – Art Spice gallery, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi
Timings – 10am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday)
