A Goan artist's exhibition embodies the spirit of the 'Queen of Hills'

THE ARTIST

Goan artist Harshada Kerkar Sonak is showcasing some of her works in an exhibition titled, 'Queens of Mussoorie', in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

HER SHOWCASE

The exhibition will be on till May 29, 2024, at the VR Art Space in the heart of Mussoorie near the Clock Tower in Landour.

LOCAL CONNECTION

The exhibition is an attempt to narrate the simplistic and beautiful life of Mussoorie through a series of portraits of women and children, who, Harshada terms as 'Queens of Mussoorie.'

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Some of these paintings are inspired by moments she had with children, and some of these display a sense of joy and wonder.

INSPIRED BY BOND

This particular painting of a girl with a blue umbrella is inspired by the story from her favourite and well-known author Ruskin Bond, who is also a resident of Mussoorie.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN

Harshada's works are a series of sketches of children from Dalai Hill and surrounding region, which is home to several labour and rag picker families.

COMMUNITY CALLS

Since 2019, Harshada has been coming to Mussoorie and enjoys working with local communities. Today, April 20, 2024, she organised a workshop to teach the children of St John's School in Landour how to paint.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

Returning to Mussoorie time and again suggests Harshada's deep affection for the place. The staff of the school are equally glad to have her.

ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR

The children weren't focused on creating a perfect masterpiece, but rather on having fun experimenting with colours and this painting depicts their creativity.

INSPIRED BY MADONNA

Angelo da Fonseca's Madonna, drawn by Harshada using charcoal, inspired the children's creativity and set the tone for the workshop.

HER CANVAS

For the last one month or so, Harshada says, Mussoorie has been her canvas that has allowed her to break away from the confines of a traditional studio setting.

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