Israeli artist's 'Journey to India' through her paintings

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Renowned Israeli artist Adi Magen has made her debut as a painter in India with a unique solo exhibition of her original paintings at the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature here.

Entitled 'My Journey to India', the exhibition which opened yesterday, reflects the variety of experiences that Magen has lived during her journey through India in the past four years. The paintings capture images of colourful Indian people through a foreigner's eye.

When asked what inspired her to paint the Indian people, she told UNI, ''I have lived in countries like Mexico and Costa Rica but never painted as nothing motivated me to draw. On my trip across India, especially Rajasthan, I came across the rich culture and colourful people of India. I was very much fascinated to the colurful attires and the simplicity of the Indian people specially the village folk. So I decided to put what I enjoyed during my journey on canvas so that other people can also enjoy the same'' ''I did not want to paint their poverty unlike many others but wanted to capture the colours in their lives.The strong colours that I use in my paintings express the strong affection I hold for India,''she added.

From women working in the fields to a Rajasthani bride to a mother and child, most of the paintings on display portray the various facets of Indian women as seen by the artist. When asked about the dominance of Indian women in her paintings Magen said,''I simply admire the Indian woman. A perfect blend of beauty, hardwork and strength, she is uncomparable to woman of any other country.'' Herself a perfect combination of beauty, hardwork and dedication, Magen is working as the Cultural Coordinator in the Israel Embassy and also teaches Yoga, simultaneously juggling family life.

Describing her student as ''very creative, imaginative, full of ideas'', Magen's teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts&Literature Ruki Chatterjee said,''She is very dedicated towards her work.

Whatever she does, it comes from her heart.'' ''Her fascination for simple village folks is extraordinary. I am sure that in the years to come , with her talent, creativity and love for the subject, she will one day become one of the leading artists of her country.'' Asked if she will continue to draw Indian people after she goes back to Israel this year, Magen said,''Yes I will unless something else affects me as strongly as the Indian culture did.'' The exhibition was inaugurated by the Israeli Ambassador to India, David Danieli.

It will be at display from May 8 to May 22, 2007 between 1100hrs to 1900hrs.

UNI