Kuwait-born artist of Indian heritage Nanda Khiara recently unveiled a major exhibition entitled ‘Legacy, Perception, and Cherry Blossom Chronicles’ at the Nehru Centre in London.
It encouraged viewers to explore their own cultural heritage and the narratives that shape their identities, to explore and reflect on the intersection of fine art and technology. The multi-dimensional artist said the aim was to explore a fusion of symbolic elements drawn from her diverse experiences and unique visual language.
Speaking about the centrepiece of her exhibition, ‘Whispering Blooms’, Khiara said: "Imagine a breath-taking landscape bathed in spring hues, adorned with cascading cherry blossoms. Look closer and witness a metamorphosis: the ancient tree transforms into a woman adorned in a beautiful kimono; nature's artistry mirrored in her form.
“This interplay between the ephemeral beauty of the blossoms and the timeless presence of the woman ignites a conversation about impermanence and enduring strength."
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In addition to ‘Whispering Blooms’ the exhibition showcased ‘Legacy Misconstrued’, which draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical sketches and his fascination with the human form and delves into the complexities of cultural inheritance and how traditions are misinterpreted and reinterpreted across generations. The ‘Perceptions’ series sees Khiara explore the subjectivity of perception and how cultural backgrounds influence how we see the world.
She shared: “My artistic journey is deeply influenced by my background, which is a unique blend of cultures. Born and raised in Kuwait to a family of Indian origin, I've always navigated a world rich in diversity. My grandparents, after the Partition, settled in the Middle East, adding another layer to my heritage.
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“I'm now in London and my Sindhi roots, coupled with my experiences living across Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East, have become central themes in my art. My travels have instilled in me a constant awareness of change and transition. These experiences serve as a vast mental map, brimming with colours, scents, languages, and cultural nuances. This richness finds its way onto my canvases, breathing life into my storytelling through art.”
*Info: Nanda Khiara
