A unique art exhibition depicts the endangered flora and fauna of Rajasthan

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In a harmonious blend of artistry and environmental consciousness, Jaipur is hosting a one-of-its-kind art exhibition, bridging communities and creativity. From October 7 to October 15, the Kishan Bagh in Vidyadhar Nagar, has become a canvas for the ‘Threatened Species Threatened Spaces’ (TSTS) project, an inspiring initiative orchestrated by Alliance Française Jaipur and supported by the French Institute Paris and The French Institute in India.

Setting the Stage

Renowned French artist and environmentalist Anaïs Beaulieu takes the spotlight in this innovative exhibition. Having embarked on a remarkable journey across four Indian cities – Trivandrum, Delhi, Pune, and finally Jaipur, Anaïs collaborated closely with local communities. Together, they identified endangered flora and fauna native to each region, infusing life into plastic bags through intricate embroidery. This unique act of artistic resistance emerged as a response to the looming climate crisis, symbolizing resilience and hope.

French artist and environmentalist Anaïs Beaulieu with a community of women from Ramsar Palawala village near Jaipur.

Art for a cause

At the heart of this immersive artist workshop lies a noble objective – to engage with local communities deeply impacted by various threats. Whether facing imminent endangerment or valiantly working to mitigate natural and man-made challenges, these communities have become the focal point of Anaïs’s artistic endeavors. Collaboratively, they transformed collected waste into stunning works of art, embellishing the fabric of their cities with imprints of threatened spaces. Through this artistry, the exhibition delves into the profound implications of disappearance and change, weaving a powerful narrative of environmental consciousness.

Glimpse of Art

In the weeks leading up to the exhibition, Anaïs collaborated with the People’s Awareness Network Society (PANS) NGO, an organization dedicated to skill enhancement and income generation in the Ramsar Palawala village near Jaipur. Together, they harnessed the transformative power of art, empowering a community of women to create extraordinary pieces. These creations, born from the hands of the resilient women of Ramsar Palawala village, most of whose husbands lost stable employment during the pandemic, stand testament to the beauty that emerges when creativity and purpose intersect.

Telling more about the initiative, Director of Alliance Française, Jaipur, Sanjana Sarkar says: “The project “threatened species//threatened spaces” is a statement of artistic resistance. The global climate crisis would not be solved in a day, and even less possibility that an embroidery project would lead us in that direction. We understand that. But what this project envisages is to create slow, collective grassroots efforts that perhaps bring attention to what is the effect of our global actions on smaller communities, and in spite of the pretty bleak situation, there are groups and individuals making one last attempt to make things better. Anais and the communities across Trivandrum, Delhi, Pune and in Jaipur, are showcasing the power of dialogue, exchange and art.”

(LtoR) Director of Alliance Francaise of Jaipur, Sanjana Sarkar; French artist and environmentalist Anaïs Beaulieu and CEO of People’s Awareness Network Society (PANS), Mr Jitendra Singh

A Call to Witness

Talking about this project, Anais Beaulieu said, “The project speaks of the need to rethink our connections with the “living” and to include ourselves in it, not as a superior being but rather as part of a whole. Learn to live together. Because we no longer have the choice to continue to do what we have done for the past centuries. Respect the territories of the other as the one on which we walk without setting borders.”

Jaipur, the final stop on this transformative artistic circuit, beckons art enthusiasts, environmentalists, and the curious-minded to witness this extraordinary exhibition. Beyond the aesthetic allure, it serves as a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to protect threatened species and spaces. By bridging the gap between art and activism, Anaïs Beaulieu’s visionary work sparks conversations, ignites passions, and inspires a collective movement toward a sustainable future. Every stitch tells a compelling narrative of art, resilience, and the enduring spirit of communities standing tall against the challenges of our time.

The project is supported by network of Alliance Francaise in India, along with French Institute in India and Indian institute of Crafts and Design.

When: October 7 to October 15
Where: Kishan Bagh, Naya Khera, Vidyadhar Nagar