The Arabian Art Exhibition KHUTAWAT
The Arabian Art Exhibition showcases diverse artistic expressions of Arab identity through personal and cultural narratives. The exhibition features artists from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, the UAE, Russia, and England.
Curated by Shams Art Space, known for promoting Arab identity in global forums. The selected works reflect individuality while celebrating shared cultural roots.
Participating artists are: Alia Bin Ali, Amira Abo Elenin, Amira Hamdy, Bara Blasi, Christina Aiad, Dalia Farsi, Dina El Masry, Donia Agha, Elena Soliman, Farah Al Shabkhun, Fatima Elouakili, Gehan Adel, Heba Yousef., Hoda Shawky, Marlyin Mikhael, Mawa Abulenein, Marwan Cherkaoui, Naeema Rushdy, Nessma Amr, Nihal Hatata, Noor El Mola, Nourhan El Toukhi, Perihan Marwan, Sara El Bannay, Soraya El Hag and Yasmin Jordan.
Mysore Traditional Paintings: A Legacy of Gilded Divinity
Mysore painting is a classical South Indian art form that flourished under the royal patronage of the Wodeyar dynasty in the region of Mysore, Karnataka. Known for its refined elegance, muted colours, and spiritual themes, this art form is rooted in the traditions of the Vijayanagar Empire. After the fall of Vijayanagar in the 16th century, many court artists migrated to neighbouring regions, including Mysore. Here, they blended their inherited techniques with local traditions, giving rise to the distinctive Mysore school of painting.
These paintings primarily depict Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and stories from epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Artists employed natural pigments sourced from plants, stones, and minerals. Brushes made from squirrel hair allowed for fine, delicate work.
A hallmark of Mysore painting is the use of ‘gesso work’—a mixture of white lead powder, glue, and gamboge—applied to create low-relief embellishments, later overlaid with gold foil. This intricate detailing enhances the sacred aura of the artwork.
Mysore paintings are not merely decorative; they embody devotion, precision, and a deep cultural heritage. Each composition reflects a spiritual journey, capturing both the artistic finesse and the devotional spirit of its creators.
Today, Mysore painting continues to be revered as a symbol of India’s rich cultural and artistic legacy preserved and celebrated in museums and collections around the world.
Artists:
Dr J Dundaraja
Mrs Umanagendra
Mr Shashank Bharadwaj
This group of artists, hailing from Karnataka, India, is highly skilled in the art of traditional Mysore painting, a craft they have honed over many years of training and practice. Having won numerous awards for their exceptional work, they have created thousands of paintings, many of which have been sold and are now displayed in homes and art museums worldwide. In addition to their artistic contributions, they have also mentored numerous students, ensuring the preservation and continued growth of this cherished tradition and cultural heritage.
BLUE HOPE a solo show of works by Najha Saleh
PV: Fri 17 Oct 6pm – 9pm
Exhibition: Sat 18 Oct & Sun 19 Oct, 11am – 7pm
Blue Hope exhibits the work of Najha Saleh, a ceramicist and sculptor. The artist creates ceramics of sculptural and architectural forms that draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Iraq, including Sumerian reliefs and Islamic mosaic art. The exhibition is an ode to the Middle East, with the colours and compositions symbolizing the region’s scenery and the lives of the women who navigate its environment.
Life in the Hue of the Flowers
Solo exhibition of works by Faisa Arif
Opening: Sat Nov 1, 3pm
Sat Nov 1 & Sun Nov 2, 2025 – 11am – 7pm
This exhibition is a celebration of nature’s delicate beauty, showcasing floral-inspired artworks that bloom with colour, emotion, and imagination.
INDIAN BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP BY HANNA WHITEMAN
Summer School Art Workshop
£40
Come join us in a fun 2 hour workshop exploring Indian Block print. We will learn about Linoleum block printing and create our own botanical design, which we will carve onto Lino using specialist cutting tools. We will print out pattern onto linen fabric to create a decorative placemat to take home! This workshop is suitable for ages 8+ and adults. Children under 16 will need an adult accompaniment. No prior knowledge is necessary. All materials will be provided.
Hanna Whiteman is a London-based print designer passionate about sustainability and inspired by a profound love for nature. Her designs celebrate the organic beauty of plants and flowers while reflecting her commitment to eco-friendly practices. Hanna is an experienced educator and the founder of Studio Hache.
The Bhavan’s Student’s Summer Exhibition
Open Call to all Bhavan students! Submit your artwork!
The Bhavan’s student’s annual Summer Showcase is an opportunity to exhibit your work in the
M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery.
The Exhibition will be from Sat 19 – Sun 20 Jul, 11am- 6pm
Submission:
Submit up to five, framed and ready to hang ( framed) original artwork (any medium) to
The Bhavan Office between 2pm – 4.30pm any day from Wed 9 July – Wed 16 July 2025.
Submit your frames in one large bag with your name and contact details on it. You will be given labels to fill and stick behind each frame, and a receipt for your works given to us.
Returns:
Pick up your works between July 21- 28, 2025 between 2pm – 4.30pm from the office, by bringing along the Receipt given at submission.
Email: curator@bhavan.net if you have questions.
NANDI - Solo Exhibition by AYUSH SINHA
A symbol of eternal waiting and receptivity, Nandi epitomises the quality of simply waiting without expecting anything. Ayush, through his vibrant colours and unique style of painting has gracefully managed to portray the quintessence of Nandi.
SWARA RAGA CHITRA- ARTWORKS BY H N SURESH
A very special exhibition of paintings which bring together musical notes (swara) and their depiction (chitra) using symbols, diagrams and colours. Bengaluru based H N Suresh has artworks that combine aesthetics across knowledge systems and painterly aesthetics.
Group Exhibition of the first IRAQI ART AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN LONDON
Private View: Sunday 8 June, 4pm – 7pm
