Event details
We are launching a new exhibition “Colours In My Eyes”.
Even before I apply paint to canvas or threads to an embroidery, I see colours in my eyes of the finished piece. I learned to embroider as a child, stitching flowers, peacocks, parrots and animals onto textiles and sarees.
Savita Vithalji Katbamna (aka Ba to family and friends)
Savita was born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India in December 1929. She and her late husband Vithalji moved with their young family in 1964 to Kenya and then, in 1968, to the UK. During the pandemic, Savita shielded at home, and last year she took up painting in acrylics on canvas as a hobby. She started to receive commissions for her art. Now at 92 years of age, Ba is holding her first art exhibition, having completed over 200 canvasses.
Painting has been an accessible and joyful alternative to embroidery, distracting Ba from arthritis pains and physical distance from loved ones. Ba has frequent conversations about her art with each family member to discover what to create for them. She develops her ideas further so that her daughters can sketch outlines of animals, whimsical creatures, Hindu deities, Maharajas, and family members and friends on canvas, much like embroidery templates. She then paints with her own style and a choice of vibrant colours.
Her unique style has created much excitement in and outside her family, with numerous commissions for her paintings. Through the commissions she gained insights into family and friends’ lives and interests; despite not seeing them since 2020. Ba displays her latest artwork on online meetings with family and friends, and her singing group. This exhibition marks the first time that her lockdown paintings will be displayed altogether in public.
What People Have Said…
The artist often works with what is known as the mind’s eye or the inner eye. A childlike spirit coupled with creativity and technique are all evident here. The play of light, shade and colour is beautiful and so are the neat silhouettes and outlines of the characters and also the use of artistic symmetry. Kudos!
Orion Society Member, Mumbai, India
Ba has been finding out about her family’s interests and stories and her painting is connecting back with them. A two-way process has developed into a deep connection between Ba and her family. The paintings show them her interest in them and in their lives – that she is thinking of them and is thinking of what matters to them. They get to see Ba is joyful, is vibrant and connecting with them from her bedroom/art studio.
Liz Pope, Ditchling, UK
Public viewing times
Friday 6 May : 10am – 1pm and 6.30 – 10pm
Saturday 7 May : 11.30am – 1pm and 4 – 6.30pm
Sunday 8 May : 10am – 2.30pm and 6 – 8pm
Colours In My Eyes is free to view.