Gupshup
Join us for an evening of chit chat and gupshup with local South Asian women artists showcasing their art as we officially open Aaina 2012!! Paintings, illustrations, photography, fiber art, video installation, and more! The Aaina organizers welcome you to enjoy some good conversation over warm chai.
We are honored to present the following artists and organizations.
ARTISTS
Kamla Kakaria received an MFA in printmaking from the University of Washington and has exhibited at various galleries in and around Seattle including Shift Gallery. In addition to managing Pratt’s print studio, she teaches at Pratt and Kirkland Arts Center.
Artist Statement: "Sketchbook, a series of bits- pieces of thoughts- fragments of ideas."
Smriti Rai is a Fiber Artist. She became interested in Fiber Art during her Master's program in Clothing and Textile at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, India. Upon completing her studies, Smriti worked in her field in India. But her love for art led her to leave her job and become a full time artist. She works by combining different mediums with fibers, yarns, and fabrics in her art.
Artist Statement: "I believe that my art is the best way to express my emotions, perceptions of surroundings, and my experiences in life. I work with the idea of “spirituality.”
Artist Statement: "I have always enjoyed painting ever since I was a child. My art is a combination of my Indian heritage with the realities of my present American lifestyle. I love the process of creating new art works using vibrant colors. Some of the abstracts start with a simple shape and lead me on an explorative journey in colors and shapes."
Yamini Gaurishankar grew up in Chennai, completed her graduate studies in Structures, worked for The Boeing Co. till 2009. Since then she has been home, giving time to family and pursuing art. She has a 18 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. Painting has been a hobby of her for years. For last 12+ years, Yamini has been using medium of art as a way for expressing the changing thought patterns.
Artist Statement: "Who am I? - A mind's journey! What began as a question about 12 years ago and their associated thoughts have been captured in my paintings."
ORGANIGATIONS led by South Asian Women in Seattle Area
Weaving Threads
Weaving Threads, a non-profit organization, supports the efforts of oppressed widows in India, to become self-sufficient through their own labor and the production of handmade items. Their goal is to empower groups of widows to build self-sustaining localized communities. These communities will not only support their daily living but also give them hope for a better life for themselves and their children. It is essential that their lives be free of the torment and exploitation associated with Indian widowhood.
http://www.weavingthreads.org/
WPPC Nepal
Women’s Prevention and Protection Center (WPPC) Nepal's mission is to fight against Human Trafficking and creating a society where returned and rescued women and children (survivors of human trafficking) can survive and identify themselves as a member of the society with respect and dignity. WPPC is a non-profitable and non-political organization established in Nepal on March 19, 2001. The organization is located in the center part of Nepal city called Heatauda which is one of the most effected areas by human trafficking and near by India border. WPPC is also affiliated with the New Delhi India based non-government organization “Prabashi Nepali Mitra Manch (PNMM)”. WPPC and PNMM have joined hands to rescue the Nepali women and children from the brothels and circuses.
http://www.wppcnepal.org/
We are excited and honored to feature amazing local artists from Pacific Northwest for this year's Gupshup. Come hear about the work they're doing in our community and their inspiring stories.