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New horizons in both traditional, modern

Kiran Soni Gupta whose work will be exhibited at the Alliance Francaise in Kandy from June 24 to 26, is an Indian artist, writer and activist turned administrator. She was until recently District Collector and Magistrate of Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan and is now Commissioner, Command Area Development & Colonisation, Bikaner.

After a brilliant academic career, she joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1985 and has held various posts in the Government of India, Kerala and Rajasthan.

She writes regularly on contemporary issues to many national and international newspapers including "The Hindu", "The Indian Express", "The Tribune" & "The Economic Times".

It is however through brush and paint that Kiran Soni Gupta's creativity finds best illustration and expression.

Despite having no formal training in art she has produced a number of works in different art forms and styles.

Her works vividly reflect not only her conviction on issues relating to women, children, poverty, development and environment but also her keen sense of observation, humility and above all abounding faith in god and service to humanity and mankind.

From sketches, pen & ink works to mixed media she has given new horizons to art forms both traditional and modern.

Creativity with colours and experimentation has given her work both depth and impact.

Her work has provided her opportunities to travel and also to stay amidst locations as diverse as the rain drenched tropical forests and beaches of Kerala and the scrublands and the desert of Rajasthan and this is expressed in her landscapes in oil, stained glass, knife painting, water colours and also mixed media.

The iconic influence of the spirituality and mythology of her surroundings is all there in many of her paintings in the Tanjore style.

Her works have been exhibited at different national and international events and are in permanent collections at the office of the Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Rajasthan, the Raj Bhawan, Assam, the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi and the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi among others.

Her exhibition in Kandy is titled 'Indian Desert". There will also be a powerpoint presentation on contemporary art in India on the 24th evening at 5.30. p.m.