Group Show- Mind, Matter, and Mystique

Mind, Matter, and Mystique. These words magestically echo in one's mind to sanctify the elements. Matter is what comes to the viewer when they are gazing at the powerful works of Nimesh Patel, and Eleena Banik. In hindsight, everything matters. The world is a never ending place that exudes excitement, and infinite sadness. Mystique is what Nikita Parikh brings to the table with her beautiful tapestry-like paintings portraying sacred cows delineating the Lord Krishna. The intricacy in her work is unbelievable. Sharmi Chowdhury uses a different kind of twist. With her juxtapositions and multiple perspective, her work engaged me. Especially, with the rotating piece called, "Pilgrim of the Patriarchs." This unique work she has created, has the viewer thinking that anything can happen at a "blink of an eye."

SAWCC Auction at Tamarind Art!!

SAWCC- "South Asian Women's Creative Collective" held an enormous and successful benefit at the gallery. The champagne flowed, smiles were exchanged, people were mingling, and fresh Tilapia was eaten. There were many unique treasures bid on by many of us. Donated treasures by the artists such as painted tiles, authentic paintings, and drawings by Samira Abbassy, Samanta Batra Mehta, Shelly Bahl, and Riyas Komu just to name a few. They were portrayed on the beautiful, stark white walls of the gallery and collected by my colleagues. One would be pleased to feel the enormous energy flowing throughout the gallery. This event was a huge success. Everyone met at the Leela Lounge afterwards for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It was a pleasant evening had by all.

Social Entrepreneurship - Believe in the next big idea,

This past Thursday, the October 9, 2008, TIE held the talk, "Social Entrepreneurship - Believe in the next big idea," at Tamarind Arts Council. Moderated by Steve Hamm (BusinessWeek). Lisa Heydlauff (Going to School), Krishna Rao S3IDF and Lynn Renken (Nike Foundation) spoke about non-profit Be! Fund in India and its potential for beneficial change for low-income communities in India. The Be! Fund invests in young entrepreneurs and their respective ideas for change, with concentration on women and rural communities. The fund also encourages others to follow in their footsteps by utilizing media, in the form of a project called "Be! an Entrepreneur," (created by Going to School, supported by the Nike Foundation). This project is easily accessible, up to date in terms of technology, and also inspirational to the audience by providing personal stories of success from those who have utilized the Be! Fund. The primary goal of this project is to stimulate economic, environmental, and social transformation to communities in need. Unlike other initiatives for change, this fund addresses issues based on community needs and financial sustainability. Attendees of the talk learned of the value of investing in this fund and its realistic, innovative goals. The talk offered extensive material including information on the partnership which constitutes the fund, how to invest, social impact indicators, tax benefits, potential risks and more. For more information, please visit the partners websites:

http://www.selco-india.com/

http://www.s3idf.org/
http://goingtoschool.com/map.html

Artist Talk with Prema Murthy and Tom Finkelpearl

Daniel Lak, gave riviting book talk at Tamarind Arts Council

SAJA, The South Asian Journalist Association held a book talk with Daniel Lak, former BBC South Asia reporter and author of "India Express: The Future of the New Superpower" at Tamarind Arts Council on September 25. In spite of the UN being in session causing midtown traffic issues a large number of guests attended. Mr. Lak read from his new book and spoke on economies in India in a way that event someone like myself who is far from an expert on the subject could follow and enjoy. A question and Answer session moderated by SAJA co-founder Sree Sreenivasan followed.

Opening reception Organizing Energy

The opening reception for Tamarind Arts September show Organizing Energy was a huge success. Many attended and marveled at Murthys installation Fuzzy Logic II based on her installation at PS1 MoMA in 2007.

For those who have not seen this show yet it is wonderful in addation to the installation a number of the artists drawings, and prints are also featured.

This is a wonderful show that should not be missed with a number of wonderful works.

The image is the Artist with her installation.

Prema Murthy - Organizing Energy 9/16 - 10/26