Avani Patel: Unknown Forest Exhibit

Art Alley inside the HUB-Robeson Center hosted the grand opening of Avani Patel’s latest exhibition on Thursday, October 3. The event featured light refreshments and provided attendees with an opportunity to view Patel's unique fusion of cultural influences and artistic expression.

Born and raised in India until she turned 11 years old, Patel's cultural heritage played a crucial role in shaping her artistic identity. Her work was deeply influenced by the vibrant colors, intricate patterns and rich sounds that surrounded her during her upbringing.

As a young girl, she developed a fascination with the vibrant patterns of dresses, the exotic hues of the environment and the rhythms of Indian music, theatre and cinema. These elements, which represented the rhythm of her daily life, were seamlessly intertwined in her art.

Indian culture served as a foundation for Patel’s creative process. She drew inspiration from the broad spectrum of artistic expressions in her homeland, including film, theatre, music, and performance. Her paintings evoked the essence of traditional Indian textiles, costumes, and the country’s exotic flora and spices, all woven together with the diverse and rhythmic sounds of India.

Now living far from her native country, Patel’s work continued to explore the dynamic between Eastern and Western cultural influences. This fusion was evident in her pieces, which merged traditional Indian aesthetics with modern global perspectives.

Beyond her cultural exploration, Patel is passionate about using art to raise awareness of environmental issues. She believes that art has the power to provoke thought and inspire change, particularly in the context of global environmental challenges and their impact on diverse cultures. Through her work, she strives to bridge the gap between cultural expression and environmental advocacy, inviting viewers to reflect on how these issues are interconnected.

Patel's exhibition offers a deeply personal and evocative journey through her world of colors, patterns and sounds, while also encouraging contemplation of broader global themes.

The opening reception at Art Alley allowed attendees to meet the artist and experience this cultural and environmental conversation through her vibrant, expressive pieces. The exhibit will remain on display for the public following the event until January 27, 2025, offering continued opportunities to immerse in the visual and cultural richness of Patel's work.

She has an Instagram account promoting her work, @unique_avani, and her own website, www.avanirpatel.com. The new exhibit at the HUB-Robeson Center is definitely worth exploring.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.