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In Harmony with art
Eighth Harmony Show promises an eclectic mix of art works from the contemporary to the new and emerging artists

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Tina Ambani in conversation with a guest. Also seen are Kumarmangalam Birla and Anil Ambani. The atmosphere at the Nehru Centre was quite festive as the Eighth Harmony Show, 2003, threw its doors open to the public today. A heady fragrance of tuber-roses wafts through the air, welcoming enthusiasts to the largest contemporary art show in the country. With about 125 artists featuring their work under one roof, the event promised to offer an insight into the art trends passing through the veins of the country. Having received innumerable entries from every nook and corner of the country, the Harmony team had to zero down on a limited number of participants for the show. In keeping with the main objective of the show more than 60 per cent of the exhibits were those of young, emerging artist sharing the same platform with veterans such as S.H. Raza, Satish Gujral, Akbar Padamsee, Anjolie Ela Menon et al.

Tina with Harsh Goenka and Parmeshwar Godrej. "The Eighth Harmony Show, like all the other shows before it, has continued to be a magnet for the brightest and best in Indian art. With over 125 splendid works of art, the show promises to reinforce the connection between the artist and the audience. We are especially proud to have with us some of India's renowned artists displaying their work. At the same time it gives us immense satisfaction that we are providing a platform to showcase an exceptional collection of talented, upcoming artists this year too," said Tina Ambani, the force behind the event.

This year the Harmony Show has the spontaneous amalgamation of various themes. The primary reason being that the artist were given the freedom to choose their subject without any limitations being imposed on them. The show thus has succeeded in bringing to the art lover a truly wide representation of contemporary Indian art.

Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh poses before a painting. States veteran artist Satish Gujral, "My experience with the harmony show has been a very good one. The art galleries and the museums have done a very good job, but Tina Ambani's harmony show has helped bring the art to the common man."

An initiative of Mrs. Tina Ambani, the show continues with its support to Aseema, an NGO engaged in rehabilitation and education of street kids, in their mission to uphold every child's right to education. With Harmony's active co-operation and contribution, the children of the school run by Aseema, now enjoy a bright, renovated and refurbished building.

As every year, the show promises to attract art patrons and people from all walks of life. The much-awaited art event will be open to the public from April 5-13.


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