Five top-ranking bureaucrats have come together to showcase their wide range of works in a group show titled 'Garden of Senses' inaugurated recently in the capital.
The six-day exhibition displaying the officers creative works ranging from figurative drawings, photographs capturing the reflections of the world to embroideries using pearls and bead sequins are on show at the Hudco Art Gallery here.
"This exhibition was impromptu. In fact, nobody in our office knew that we are into paintings and craftsmanship," said Nirmala Pillai, currently working in the Department of Telecommunications as Advisor.
Pillai has painted acrylics of women.
"I worked on acrylics. I like nature and many other small things which people ignore. I like to highlight them on my paintings," says Pillai who claims to be a self-taught artist.
"Painting is my passion...A strees-buster. I can give up anything for it," she says.
Sumita Purkayastha, who works at the Department of Telecommunications as DG (NICF), has displayed her designs on saris, suits and dupattas in a combination of Mughal motif with material ranging from silk, tussar, crepes and cotton.
Showcasing her love for candle-making, Monali P Dhakate, currently on deputation to Staff Selection Commission as Regional Director, has exhibited her collection of handmade candles and chocolates, which she says she had picked up during her days in school.
"The love for candles started in my school days where we were taught of candle making. My mother used to call this craft as mess. She always says to create something exceptional...You need to focus on the smallest details. These words were inspirational for me. The passion and love for the craft developed with time," she says.
Monali, has showcased her handmade candles for the first time in a public exhibition.
"The idea to exhibit our works was proposed by Nirmala. So we thought let's come out and show the other side of us which is vibrant and colourful," adds Monali.
Director (SEA) in the Department of Telecommunications, Yashashri Shukla's passion for photography is evident with photographs on display at the exhibition giving glimpses of the places she has travelled over the years.
The photographs of sunset at Chidiyatapu, Port Blair, a couple walking on the Radhanagar beach at Havelock, Tibetian flags and the 'Bovine Spa' are some of her favourite collections.
The exhibition is scheduled to continue till October 29.
