An art exhibition celebrating the British Indian journey has launched at the Old Fire Station in Oxford.
Titled ‘Journey of the Blue Sun,’ this is the first solo show by artist Saroj Patel and showcases her South Asian heritage through diverse mediums.
Saroj Patel’s debut solo exhibition, ‘Journey of the Blue Sun,’ is now on display, featuring intricate sculptures, textiles, and multimedia installations that honour her South Asian roots.
The exhibition aims to narrate the compelling journey from a small village in India to a new life in the United Kingdom, reflecting both personal and shared experiences.
The exhibits include contributions from the women at the Sunrise Multicultural Project in Banbury.
This collaborative effort integrates community-created art, thereby adding a layer of communal storytelling.
Additionally, the exhibition boasts a variety of textures, sounds, and visual elements that promise to engage the senses and the imagination of its visitors.
Ms. Patel reveals that the stories of her parents, who moved to the UK from India, profoundly influenced her work.
She has always been captivated by their narratives of migration, adaptation, and the contrasts between Indian and British life.
“I have always been fascinated by my parents’ stories about their initial move to the UK, the experiences they had and how different life was compared to India,” she explained.
Ms. Patel conducted several sessions with South Asian women at the Banbury group, which she described as highly rewarding.
“It was just about being creative and playful, getting to know each other, just being together making work,” she noted.
Her interaction with these women not only informed her artistic output but also built strong community bonds, enriching the cultural fabric of the exhibition.
Curator Mark Devereux praised the exhibition, saying, “Journey of the Blue Sun shares an important personal story that is pertinent to so many people and communities living in the UK now.”,
He highlighted that the new art Saroj has created underscores her potential and ambition as an artist.
This exhibition is backed by the Old Fire Station, Arts Council England, Oxford City Council, and Little Greene.
Such diverse support underscores the cultural significance and artistic value of Patel’s work.
Local residents are invited to a special event on 19 October to share their own migration stories, adding further community engagement to the exhibition.
The exhibition will run until 16 November at the Old Fire Station in Oxford.
Visitors can experience a variety of artistic media, from textiles to sound installations, providing a rich, immersive experience.
‘Journey of the Blue Sun’ at the Old Fire Station presents a profound exploration of British Indian heritage.
Showcasing Saroj Patel’s artistry and the collaborative community spirit, the exhibition is a testament to the power of storytelling through art.
