Boost luck at ‘Rangoli’ workshop

In the spirit of last week’s Indian Festival of Colour, ‘Holi’, as well as Diwali Festival celebrations which were postponed in November over Covid, Indian Australian artist Gauri Torgalkar has created a stunning series of visual artworks which reimagine Australian native flora from the local Cumberland Plain Woodlands in a format inspired by Indian miniature painting and textiles.
Available as a virtual exhibition since November, with hundreds of views already, this will be the first opportunity to see the large scale, 3D lanterns and fabulous artworks in person.
Gauri says Rangoli art is widespread on the front entrances of homes throughout India and is intended to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck.
“They are simple chalk patterns created on the floor using coloured sand, dry rice flour, flower petals and coloured rocks,” she said.
“Anyone who wants to participate will be given a space on Saturday as well as materials to create their art.
“Our idea is fill up the gallery’s outside space with the efforts from local participants.
“We hope it will be fun, community-building day and there will also be lantern-making craft activities for children.”
An on-site food truck will be available during the event on offer this Saturday, March 26, 10am-2pm, with bookings at cumberland.nsw.gov.au/event/community-rangoli.