When the New Zealand Art Show opened at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington on July 30, it was a moment of pride for us in the Indian community in general and Indian Newslink in particular.
For, our Talent of the Fortnight Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala, a sole painter of Indian origin, was one of ten artists nominated for the ‘Signature Piece Award.’
Her entry, Dancing Daffodils will compete with the others, with the winner determined through public vote.
An independent panel of judges, who chose her entry for the nomination, said there were 245 pieces vying for the coveted prize.
The selectors said, “Ms Jhunjhnuwala’s piece was of enormously high standard; fresh, modern, sophisticated and going places.”
There were other works of the accomplished artist on display among those of contemporary painters from all over the country.
The annual show, seventh in a series, attracted more than 800 artists this year, of which the works of 524 were chosen for display at the three-day event.
She was among 84 artists accorded the ‘Single Artist Wall’ and was allotted ‘Four Wall Space,’ an honour in recognition of the significance of her paintings.
Carla Russell, Executive Director of the New Zealand Affordable Art Trust, which organises the event, said the selection process was lengthy and complex.
“Each application is carefully considered and deliberations can take a considerable time and we place the highest quality of works at the most affordable rate as significant in our list of requirements,” she said.
As a part of its social responsibility, the Trust held a special session in association with the Wellington Hospital and the Health Foundation on July 30 in aid of the Wellington Children’s Hospital.
The New Zealand Art Show, which closes today (August 1), is a three-day visual feast for art lovers and those interested in purchasing original New Zealand Art at prizes ranging from $100 to $5000.
Most painters live in a world of self-effacement, oblivious to the bickering of the mundane world.
Ms Jhunjhnuwala is no exception.
Giving vent to her creativity, she observes the finer aspects of environment, people and life in itself, much of which are transposed on to the canvas, wood or any background that bear her paintings.
Wellingtonians should now be used to her creative outbursts.
Less than three months ago, her solo exhibition, titled, Blossoms In The Fall was held at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Indian Newslink, May 1, 2010).
Photo :1. Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala with her painting, ‘The Flamingos of Lake Nakuru’ 2. The Dancing Daffodils 3. Blue Square 3. The Ocean of Dreams
