Parul Baliyan, originally from a small town in northern India, has found her artistic inspiration in the cultural richness and simplicity of her childhood memories. Now based in the UK for nearly two decades, she brings the fusion of her upbringing to life in her paintings.
As a self-taught artist and mother of two, Parul draws inspiration from the everyday imagery around her, capturing the essence of people, landscapes, and lifestyles. Her upcoming exhibition called “Six Yards of Elegance” will be showcased at the Nehru Centre in London next week after International Women’s Day 2024 on March 8, and showcase many of these inspirations.
The exhibition celebrates the essence of womanhood. According to Parul, “Each painting is a heartfelt tribute to women, who have left indelible mark in our lives. I chose sari as the thread which intertwines all my paintings. Indian women have a very deep-rooted relationship with the sari, which plays a significant role in my identity as an artist. My fascination with this graceful garment began in my childhood when observing my mother donning a sari for work every day and I was providing a little help to perfect her pleats.
“A Sari is not just a six-yards cloth; it's a symbol of the cultural identity of an Indian woman. The stereotypical image of a woman and Sari as a symbol of constraints has been crossed by many brave women, for centuries. From Draupadi's resilience who stood up for the respect of women despite the loss of her family, to the recent celebration of women scientists in Sari in the Chandrayaan moon landing mission, these incidents strongly illustrate the remarkable achievements a woman can attain while draped in a SARI. All the subjects I have covered have gracefully donned sari, transcending the physical or social challenges with resilience.”
About hosting the exhibition at the Nehru Centre, she said, “I always aspired to unveil this collection of work at the Nehru Centre on International Women's Day. As an artist, this opportunity holds immense significance for me.
“The Nehru Centre stands as a vibrant bridge between India and the United Kingdom, an ideal platform to share my vision through art. As my work primarily focuses on Indian themes, there couldn't be a more fitting venue for me to showcase the richness of Indian culture on a global stage. It's a momentous occasion that aligns perfectly with my artistic journey and aspirations.”
Talking about hosting the exhibition on International Women’s Day, she said, “For me International Women's Day is a perfect occasion to pay tribute to the countless women whose contributions often go unnoticed, who are not celebrated as heroes or afforded privilege. My tribute is to these unsung heroes, the foot soldiers who tirelessly navigate and overcome unimaginable challenges, steadfastly fulfilling their roles in society.”
Talking about International Women’s Day, she said, “For me, International Women's Day is a perfect occasion to pay tribute to the countless women whose contributions often go unnoticed, who are not celebrated as heroes or afforded privilege. My tribute is to these unsung heroes, the foot soldiers who tirelessly navigate and overcome unimaginable challenges, steadfastly fulfilling their roles in society,” she added.
