Where art becomes a space for friendship, expression and peace

A painting of a horse on a plate by Moushumi Ray. PICS COURTESY/Parveen AntiaHemmadi

Remember that magical feeling of losing yourself in something enjoyable, while the rest of the world seems to fade? For some, this magic can be found in music; others find it in art. With Showtime, artist and teacher Parveen AntiaHemmadi seeks to bring to the fore the ideas of friendship, expression and elusive peace through the works of her students.

Canvas art by artist Shaleen Multani

AntiaHemmadi founded A Class Apahrt in 1997 as a space for students to learn and explore art. Over the last 30 years, she has guided young students in porcelain painting, acrylics, oils, and watercolours. This exhibition brings together years of learning displayed in the individual styles of students who found a creative space in the artist's classroom.

Porcelain artwork by Parveen AntiaHemmadi

These works by artists Meenu Gandhi, Moushumi Ray, Jayshree Kumar, Shaleen Multani and others, span intricate florals, contemporary, impressionist, and abstract styles. Amidst these works, AntiaHemmadi has her own piece, a vibrant, kaleidoscopic ceramic on display as well. While the porcelain works reflect distinct individual interpretations, the canvas offers another window into the creativity of her students.

Parveen AntiaHemmadi

For the senior artist, the showcase is less about perfection, and more about possibility. "Porcelain painting is a luxurious art, but people don't realise that they can create such beautiful art themselves," she says. Through the show, she hopes visitors will appreciate the works, encourage the students, and discover the artist within themselves as well.

After a long break from exhibiting, the artist will be showcasing her students' work to the fore again. "Anybody can paint, even a beginner. It does not matter if you don't know how to draw a straight line. I am here to guide you through it," she says.

ON October 2 to 4; 11 am to 7 pm
AT Floor One, Armaan 23, 6 Hatkesh Society, NS Road, Vile Parle West.