Exhibition: Six yards of Elegance

Parul Baliyan grew up in a small town in northern India, a place that defines her as a creative person and an artist. Currently based in West London, UK, she made London her home almost two decades ago. Most of her childhood memories reflect the countryside, cultural and traditional fusion of simplicity and diversity, which is vividly reflected in her paintings. Academically, a science student who worked in the IT industry, she is a self-taught artist. Her inspirations come from the ordinary daily life around us like people, buildings landscapes, and lifestyle. She believes that places define people, providing them with the opportunity to engage in diverse experiences and to flourish culturally. The vibrant colours of Indian spices have influenced her choice of palette and spiced up her artworks.

In her collection, Six Yards of Elegance, NARI celebrates the essence of womanhood. Each painting is a heartfelt tribute to special women, who have left an indelible mark in our lives. Indian women have a very deep-rooted relationship with the SARI, which plays a significant role in the artist’s identity. The artist’s fascination with this graceful garment began in her childhood when observing her mother donning a sari for work every day and providing a little help to perfect her pleats. A Sari is not just a six-yard cloth; it’s a symbol of the cultural identity of an Indian woman. The stereotype image of Nari 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 Nari 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 Nari can attain while draped in a SARI. The artist’s collection highlighting the seamless blend of tradition and modernity pays homage to all women who have transcended social stereotypes associated with the sari and acknowledged their strides in breaking free from limitations.