Culture on canvas

Dubai artist inspired by the close bonds of Indian families


Preeti Suvarna Parvatker is an artist who is inspired by the cultural diversity of India and the close bonds that Indian families share. These are vividly portrayed in her acrylic paintings.

Despite having a full-time job at MMI, she finds time for her artistic pursuits and recently held an exhibition of her work.

"I am able to devote time to my art only because my husband and my colleagues at work are so supportive," says Parvatker.

Her first exhibition, titled Women of India, was held at the Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai, and she was happy with the overwhelming response. "Women in India are very communicative and striking. They have beautiful clothing, jewellery and expressions, and I have tried to capture these in my paintings," says Parvatker.

Among those who bought her paintings is Dr Ahmed of MMI. "I liked her painting since it shows a lot of emotion and my family could relate to it," he explains.

Music, gardening and seeing all that is happening around her also inspires her. Before she moved to Dubai her paintings were based around landscapes in India. However, now she alters her work between figure drawing and landscapes. She is working on her next exhibition titled In Love.

"I want to show love for children, love for birds, parents and love between siblings in my art," says Parvatker. "I have this inspiration from my husband as he encourages me a lot," she adds.

Parvatker has been interested in art since early childhood. Both her parents are qualified artists and have always motivated her to participate in drawing and painting competitions.

"My inspiration is my mother who has always supported my art and has guided me with my sketching and ability to mix colours. She was very happy when I was given the best artist award in my school," she says.

Parvatker chose acrylic as her medium as it dries quickly. She prefers to work on canvas instead of paper because it is easier to maintain canvas paintings. "Painting on canvas is my favourite pastime," says the talented artist.