The award-winning Indian-American artist Bhanu Palam made her international debut last month with the exhibition of a dedicated collection of works, entitled Sentiments, at the international art fair Art Bahrain Beyond Borders, which took place at the International Exhibition and Convention Center in Bahrain. This is the first time that her works were exhibited outside of India.
ArtBAB 2017 officially opened its doors on March 22nd 2017 and hosted over 60 participants from 20+ countries spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the United States, with sales topping BD100,000 (~£210,000) for Bahraini artists alone, a 40% increase from the first edition. Bhanu sold a number of paintings to high-profile Middle East collectors.
The artist is very much influenced by Astronomy and Cosmology, and this central theme forms the basis of much of her work. One can see the astrological wheel of the zodiac and the vastness of the universe reflected in the delicate swirls of her paintbrush. With colour, she injects emotion and personality, revealing the deep connection between the universe and human nature that has existed for millennia.
It is widely recognised that Ancient Mesopotamia, in modern day Iraq, was one of the three key regions that led the way in the development of astronomy.
“The Middle East was the birthplace of astronomy,” – says the artist – “and so I felt an instant kinship with the area and decided that it was the ideal place to launch my new collection.”
Bhanu’s technical capabilities have all been self-taught. Through her creative perseverance she has gone on to win a number of awards. She was shortlisted for the International Emerging Artist Award in Dubai, was a finalist for the American Juried Salon, and given a Special Recognition Award from the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery, amongst others.
