By Shruti Prabhala
Wildlife SOS, in association with Art Junction, organized an art exhibition from 13th-31stDecember 2014 at Art Junction, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. An effort by the Delhi based non-profit organization to raise awareness about India’s wildlife through breathtaking series of paintings of artistic excellence, it met with a splendid response from the public.
Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Govt. of India inaugurated the Art Exhibition at 7.30 PM on 13 December 2014.
The exhibition was a group show by a series of renowned artists from different realms of life including Singapore based artist, Ms. Alpana Ahuja, Mr. Arjun Narula, US based artist Rebecca Hamilton, young artist Rishik Vishwanathan and our very own elephan Phoolkali. It showcased the footprints or ‘padchins’ of Wildlife SOS’s in-house artist, Phoolkali, who happily loaned her foot for bananas and other treats being handed out.
“I have a strong connection with animals and this collection of paintings has been inspired by my observations of the rescued animals living in the Wildlife SOS sanctuaries, living without fear or abuse and as naturally as possible and not performing for, or serving man”, said Alpana Ahuja, whose e8 canvases were the center of the exhibition.
Rishik Sen Vishwanathan, all of 8 years old but already with a great feel for line and colors, added, “I was really looking forward to this exhibition because the money my artwork raises will go to help wild animals in distress across India.” Rishik exhibited 10 paintings all of which were sold out.
Art Junction is a property of the Lalit in New Delhi which is curated and managed by Mr. Naresh Kapuria, an eminent installation artist. The gallery displays mix of works ranging from paintings i.e oil, water colors, charcoal etc., sculptures, and photographs. Mr. Naresh Kapuria commented, “Art Junction feels very proud to collaborate with Wildlife SOS for this art exhibition. We are very happy that through this venture we were able to do our bit towards saving Indian Wildlife.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder, Wildlife SOS explained, “Wildlife SOS has dedicated its mission to protect and conserve Indian wildlife. I am really grateful to all the artists for donating their artwork to support elephants and wildlife conservation in India. WSOS has been working to make lasting changes to protect and conserve India’s natural heritage, forests and wildlife wealth through many projects with leopards, elephants and bears.”
