London hosts Indian Art Week 2015

LONDON: Indian cultural heritage was celebrated during Indian Art Week in London from June 6 to 13 by Arts for India Charity.
The objective of Indian Art Week was to raise awareness about Indian art and provide a platform for upcoming artists and also provide underprivileged Indian artists an opportunity to receive scholarships to study art in India.
During the week, visitors attended numerous events which entailed participation of renowned artist, galleries, and the showing of related Indian films.
Events during the week included the debut art exhibition of an Indian artist at Victoria Albert museum, Christie's tour of a non-commercial exhibition of MF Husain’s paintings titled "The Journey of a Legend", an evening in the company of talented and promising artists at the Taj Hotel and a live auction hosted by Farroukh Engineer.
Indian Bollywood film NH10 also premiered on June 10 at Nehru Centre in London. The film was widely praised by the audience.
Barbara, a member of the audience, said: “I have been to India several times and have heard many stories. However this film was a real eye-opener about Indian culture and how concepts such as honour killing still prevail in one of the world's fastest growing economies.”
On June 12, an exhibition by artist Francesco Clemente brought together 108 works on paper in watercolour. The magic number of 108 also resonated with the number of beads of the Hindu Japa Mala (rosary) often used in India.
To mark the occasion, philanthropist Joan Foo Mahony announced her pledge to sponsor 20 students through Arts for India Charity.
Speaking on the occasion, Joan said: “Even though I live in Hong Kong, my heart is Indian and I’m ready to help people in various ways. The reason I have decided to help through Arts for Charity is because I think it will help underprivileged students in India and help them to develop mentally which is most important in all areas of life.”
The Indian art week celebration ended with an awards event at Mayfair Hotel and a fundraising dinner followed by a charity auction.
Sofia Hayat hosted the event and stalwarts like Ashok Amritraj were awarded for the achievements.
Indian Art Week was produced by Satish Modi, chairman of the IIFA arts institute and Erica Emm.

(Indian Art Week 2015)