I had my first art exhibition in Bangalore.
I finally did it.
I exhibited my artwork as part of the Kalavana initiative with Rotary Club. As part of the initiative, the stall fees go towards funding dialysis machines, so I was really happy to be able to participate in something that supports such a meaningful cause.
The exhibition was held at the Lalbagh Flower Show, and on a Sunday, the place was crowded. There were people everywhere, families, children, friends, strangers, people rushing past and people stopping to look.
And somehow, in the middle of all that, people stopped for my art.
I’m still processing yesterday.
After years of creating in solitude, there’s something incredibly special about finally seeing your art being seen. People stopped by my stall, looked closely at the paintings, asked questions, shared their thoughts, and simply spent time with the work.
And the kids…
So many of them came up to me and said that they wanted to be artists when they grew up. They told me how much they loved painting and how they wanted to create too.
That honestly made my heart so full.
This stall, for me, was never really just about selling art. It was about watching people connect with art.
Watching someone stop in the middle of a busy, crowded place and slow down for a moment. Watching them get lost in a painting, feel something, remember something, or simply feel happy. That is what makes all those hours of creating worth it.
Because if my art can make someone pause, wonder, feel, or connect with a little part of themselves, then I think my goal as an artist has already been fulfilled.
And yesterday, so many people did exactly that.
There was something else that made the day even more special.
My friends and family showed up.
So many of them came to see me, support me, and cheer me on even here, in a city where I once thought I was lonely. I don't think I realised how much that would mean to me until I saw them standing there.
Sometimes you think you're doing something alone, only to look around and realise there are people quietly rooting for you.
And for that, I will be forever grateful.
My first exhibition. My art out in the world. People stopping to look. Children dreaming about becoming artists. Friends showing up.
I think my heart is going to be full for a very, very long time. ✨
Happy Creating
Such a happy and warm post this is!