Kala Sangam - Bringing people together through South Asian and Interdisciplinary Arts

New Commission by Kala Sangam Artist in Residence Akari Maharani

20th December 2011

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Kala Sangam has commissioned young artist Akari Maharani to transform the interiors at St Peter's House, ready for its launch as a national centre for South Asian arts, culture & heritage in March 2012.

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Kala Sangam is delighted to welcome young Leeds-based artist/deisgner, Akari Maharani, to St Peter's House this month.

Last week, Akari Maharani began work on a brand new commission by Kala Sangam. Programmed with The Culture Company, the new piece of work will transform the interior of St Peter's House with a myriad of colourful murals.

Akari Maharani's work draws on influences and motives from a range of sources, including her love of the intense colours of the Indian sub-continent; the henna designs of India; the work of Scottish-Italian artist Eduardo Paolozzi and particularly his mosaic designs for Tottenham Court Tube station and the colours of the Asian fish at the London Aquarium.  

These diverse influences are currently being transformed by Akari into beautiful coloured wall paintings, starting in the entrance to the building, winding up the stairs and concluding in the main hall and reception area.  

The designs include peacocks, floral and henna patterns and are interspersed with key quotations selected by the artist and Kala Sangam’s Artistic Director and CEO Dr Geetha Upadhyaya. These quotations reflect Kala Sangam’s belief that art and culture is key to human happiness and well-being.

We will keep you updated on the progress of Akari’s artwork. In the meantime, please have a look at the first photos, taken during week two of the two-and-a-half month project.

Akari Maharani in the news

Photos on Facebook

Photos on Flickr

This project has been funded by Arts Council England/National Lottery.