The third edition of the Lenz Art Expo kicks off on 12 March at Park Primary School Hall in Lenasia. The expo provides an ideal platform for amateur and experienced local artists to showcase their creative abilities.
Asma Moolla, Lenz Art Expo Coordinator, said the event’s first instalment was similar to a voluntary community initiative in 2014. It was a relatively small event in contrast to the one held in 2019. The expo in 2019 was a massive success with over 30 artists and over 400 attendees.
“The last one had such a huge variety of artists. We had calligraphers. Normal, Islamic and Latin calligraphers. We had dot art, we had acrylic pouring, and we had landscape painting. All different mediums. Whether it’s textiles, oils, or acrylics, we had a pottery person the last time as well.”
The art exhibition was meant to be an annual event from that point. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions which followed, the expo had to be put on hold, until now.
“I think we all realised as coordinators that we’ve been through such a tough time over the last couple of years. With the pandemic, with the losses and the trauma, [we realised] that we all need this. We need an opportunity to see the beauty in the world again.”
Art on Display
Moolla said this year’s event would showcase a variety of creativity as local artists from different spheres of the artworld will be in attendance. Even though this will be the first time many artists exhibit their pieces publicly, she urges other aspiring artists to come and participate in the event.
“[Please do] come and show us what you’re capable of … Maybe you’ve got this talent, and you’ve been doing things quietly on your own. This is a very non-judgmental platform. We are all people that are dabbling in art. We’re not professionals … There’s no right or wrong with that. So, come and show us what you’ve been doing, and you’ll see that there’ll be people that are also interested in seeing your work.”
Will the artwork be available to purchase? Yes, they will be, provided artists are willing to part with their work, Moolla said jokingly. The expo offers artists an excellent opportunity to sell their displays and even accept commissions for any personalised artwork an individual might request.
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A Day for All
The exhibit will not only be a day for artists and art enthusiasts, but it will also be a day for everyone, as there will be multiple giveaways, food stalls, activities and workshops for adults and children.
Some artists and people will host workshops where visitors can participate in expressing and unlocking their inner painters, calligraphers, potters and sculptors.
“If you feel that you’ve always wanted to try painting, dotting, or whatever it is, come and [try]. You will be able to see live demonstrations. A lot of the artists [will be] at their stations, showing you how they work. Plus, there’s the option to actually participate in workshops as well.”
The event welcomes and invites all local artists and any individual in the art field interested in showcasing their work to be part of the exhibition. The event is not exclusive to a particular medium, any art forms are encouraged and celebrated in this communal space.
