![\"Seven](\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/th-online\/1x1_spacer.png\" "\\"Seven")
<\/picture><\/div>\n\u201cWe steal time,\u201d says Preethi Prasuna, while explaining her attempt to schedule time for her interests in art amidst fulfilling her chores as a housewife. She is one of the four homemakers from the Aakriti Art Group whose work was showcased at their fifth exhibition at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad recently. <\/p>\n
The gallery walls narrate the story of these four women\u2019s attempts to find their footing as artists. The women draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, love for their family, and the quiet moments of everyday life \u2014 their paintings speak of the power of finding creativity in the ordinary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to make art and paintings relatable and understandable for everyone,\u201d says Purnima Avinash.<\/p>\n
Purnima Avinash, Rose Mary, Preeti Prasuna, and Snigdha Panda founded the Aakriti Art Group in 2021 to seek recognition as self-taught artists. \u201cWhen we participated in other exhibitions, we saw established artists get special attention while those like us were often sidelined. This disheartened us because we believe every artist deserves recognition and that is why we formed the Aakriti Art Group. Despite not having formal training, we work hard, and our art speaks for itself. We would like to enjoy the same exposure that other artists receive,\u201d explains Rose Mary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe charge very little from our artists to display their work at our exhibitions. We understand their struggles as new artists because we have experienced the same challenges. Our goal is to give them exposure and support their growth as artists,\u201d continues Poornima, adding that this space welcomes not just art enthusiasts but also aspiring artists.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/th-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/xgstc0\/article68215692.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/Purnimas%20The%20Tigress%20painting%20a%20beautiful%20tribute%20to%20her%20love%20for%20wildlife..jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/div>\n\nThe Tigress by Purnima Avinash
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\nSpecial Arrangement\n<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n For these artists, their journey began not in grand studios but in the quiet corners of their homes. Preeti rekindled her passion for art in 2016 after leaving her corporate job. \u201cI was inspired by my neighbour. I would paint in childhood, but stopped due to my studies and career. After almost 20 years, I started again,\u201d she shares. <\/p>\n Rose Mary\u2019s creativity was influenced by her father who was also an artist. \u201cSeeing him made me interested, and that\u2019s where I got it from,\u201d she explains. Poornima and Snigdha are self-taught artists who learned through YouTube videos and their children\u2019s art classes.\u00a0<\/p>\n The exhibition showcased a range of pictures depicting their artistic achievements.\u00a0Each artist\u2019s unique style contributes to the rich variety of themes and media, including coin and resin art.<\/p>\n \u201cThis painting holds special significance for me,\u201d shares Preeti, indicating her work depicting a mother and daughter, created in 2021 as a tribute to her late mother. \u201cIt was one of the first three paintings I did after a long break. The first one, \u2018Mother and Three Daughters,\u2019 was sold. The second in the series, represents my bond with my mother and sisters. It\u2019s inspired by us,\u201d she explained. \u201cI painted it shortly after my mother passed away in 2014.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \nReflecting on Cherished Memories by Preeti Prasuna <\/div>\n As new artists, they occasionally encounter less supportive visitors at exhibitions. \u201cAt one of our previous shows ,\u201d Rose Mary says, \u201ca man walked in and, upon seeing my Seven Horses painting, criticised it, saying it was bad and should be taken down. His words left me speechless and shattered at the time, but thankfully, we usually receive positive feedback, so hurtful comments like his don\u2019t affect us much.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The Aakriti Art School founders also had a message for those who couldn\u2019t pursue their dreams due to other commitments: \u201cIt is crucial to prioritise yourself. Initially, your family might not support you, but it\u2019s important to persevere. There are many things families don\u2019t support, yet we still pursue them. . Self-love is paramount \u2014 you have to do it for yourself, whether it is painting or anything else.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The fifth edition of Aakriti Art Group\u2019s exhibition is on at Chitra Kala Parishad till May 26, 2024<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Reflecting](\"https:\/\/th-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/mi7ab2\/article68215690.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/Reflecting%20on%20cherished%20memories%20this%20Mothers%20Day%20with%20Preeti%20Prasunes%20heartfelt%20-%20Mother%20%20Daughter%20painting.jpg\" "\\"Reflecting")
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\nSpecial Arrangement\n<\/p>\n