Sangeeta Waddhwani, renowned journalist and former Executive Editor of HELLO! Magazine, unveiled her captivating artworks for the very first time at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery in Mumbai on June 12, 2023. The exhibition, titled ‘Stories in Circles,’ showcased Waddhwani’s thought-provoking collection, emphasising on sustainable lifestyles and the impact of mobile phones and AI technology on humanity.
The opening night of the exhibition witnessed the presence of guests from various fields, including Nawaz Singhania, Pavan Anand, Aakif and Iram Habib of Atelier Habib, Rohit Verma, Arzan Khambatta, Vinod Advani, theatre doyenne Rael Padamsee, Malti Jain, Jalpa Vithalani, Poonam Soni and many more.
Among the 20 inspiring artworks showcased at the exhibition, three stands out with their unique narratives:
THE LOTUS CONSCIOUSNESS (PANDEMIC SERIES): This artwork reflects the massive shift brought about by the Pandemic, symbolizing the reconciliation with nature as urban life came to a standstill. The depiction of the Buddha with lotus-like thoughts represents an inner shift that can easily revert back to consumerism, prompting contemplation on the cyclical nature of our actions.
WHAT TIME IS LOVE?: A TRIBUTE TO KARL LAGERFELD: This artwork pays a tongue-in-cheek homage to the late Karl Lagerfeld, the Creative Director of Chanel, who found beauty and modernity in black, white, and classic red. Through the rhetorical question ‘What Time is Love?’ makes a sardonic statement as Karl had said India inspires him and dedicated the Bombay Metiers D’Art collection to Indian ideas in 2011, but didn’t show enough love to visit the country in his entire lifetime. It is only 12 years later that a brand like DIOR has acknowledged its debt to Indian design and craftswomen.
AN EYE FOR AN AI: This composition delves into the prevalence of surveillance and the integration of AI into our lives. The seemingly benign eye symbolizes the loss of a value-based sense of direction as we cater endlessly to documenting the ephemeral. It also serves as a reminder of the constant surveillance we are subjected to, as AI apps increasingly shape our thoughts and suggestions based on our data footprint.
Sangeeta Wadhwani, said, “Art has the power to transcend boundaries and spark conversations. With ‘Stories in Circles’, I aim to provoke contemplation on a host of current preoccupations, from eco-sensitisation to tech, AI, globalisation, and the need to be wary of the all-pervasive Google Eye. Arzan said I am strong on concepts and ideas that need articulation, and I think that comes from my years as a wide-eyed journalist and magazine editor. I invite everyone to experience the narratives woven within the circular forms and join me in exploring the interconnectedness of our world.”
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