Dubai, UAE – March 26, 2024 – The Indian Folk Art Corridor, under the visionary leadership of founder Vidisha Pandey, successfully concluded its groundbreaking exhibition, “Rang-De-Gulal,” at the Dubai International Art Centre. From March 22nd to 25th, visitors embarked on a unique cultural journey, experiencing the vibrant tapestry of Indian folk art and traditions, all within an innovative airline-themed setting.
Vidisha Pandey’s ingenious concept transformed the art centre into a bustling airport, with designated “belt numbers” guiding attendees through a curated tour of 24 talented Indian artists’ works. “Rang-De-Gulal” aimed to transcend the conventional art exhibition, creating an immersive experience that celebrated the diversity of Indian culture. Just as each Indian state boasts distinct art forms, the exhibition showcased the varied expressions of festivals and cultural practices.
The exhibition featured a stunning array of art forms, including Manjusha Art, Kishangarh Art, Lippan Art, Theyyam Art, Kerala Mural Art, Phad Art, Mithila Art, Nirmal Art, Cross Stitch, Kalighat Art, Gond Art, and Dot Mandala, among others. The artists, whose passion and skill brought these masterpieces to life, included Vidisha Pandey, Pari Sagar, Dhruti Shah, Mridu Srivastava, Neema Rajesh, Vasanthi Kannan, Sandhya Iyer, Anuradha Ganesh, Sheetal Bhanu, Divya Singla, Sejal Shah, Pratibha Sabria, Chandrika Baruah, Kalyani Golla, Lakshmi Vijay, Pragya Dwivedi, Ankita Tiwari, Anita Jain, Arti Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Susmita Saha, Vinita Jain, Manjari Chaudhary, and Minakshi Karn. Alongside the paintings, Indian crafters displayed an exquisite collection of art products.
The opening day of “Rang-De-Gulal” was a resounding success, highlighted by a captivating live painting session by Pari Sagar and Mridu Srivastava, who beautifully captured the spirit of Holi with their vibrant strokes. Their performance was a testament to the raw talent and creative energy present at the exhibition.
Adding to the cultural richness of the event, the Sadhana Group and artist Susmita Saha delivered mesmerizing Kathak and semi-classical dance performances, enthralling the audience with their grace and precision. The cultural fiesta successfully showcased the harmonious blend of visual and performing arts.
The exhibition was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including chief guest, Indian film actress Ms. Kalpana Iyer, whose charisma and appreciation for art added a touch of glamour to the event. Special guests included Anjini Prakash Laitu, an eminent Indian artist; Ahmad Al Awadhi (Rukni), an Emirati artist and businessman; Atul Panase, an affluent artist, curator, art consultant, and mentor, and UAE Leader-Fabrianoln Acquarello, Brand Ambassador-Daniel Smith Artists Materials; Sugat Priyadarshi, Head of Department Art at JSS International School; Peter Gressman, an acclaimed art curator, art critic, and founder of Artforum UAE; Reema Mahajan, founder of IWD and lifestyle influencer; Kusum Dutta, a social activist and community service member with the Consulate of India, Dubai since 2013; Muhammad Yusuf, a senior journalist at Gulf Today in Sharjah; and Sultana Kazim, representative of the Museum of Americas and haute couture fashion designer.
“Rang-De-Gulal” successfully created a platform for cultural exchange and artistic appreciation, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage. The Indian Folk Art Corridor extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the artists, guests, and visitors who contributed to the exhibition’s success.
About Indian Folk Art Corridor:
The Indian Folk Art Corridor, founded by Vidisha Pandey, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the diverse art forms of India. Through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, the organization aims to create awareness and appreciation for Indian folk art on a global scale.
