Category: Arts & Culture

By Jigisha Doshi

A packed house at the Stafford Civic Center resonated with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Dimensions of Tabla. Organized by the Indian Music Society, Houston, and led by the esteemed Guru Shantilal Shah, the event showcased the crucial role of tabla players in enriching musical performances.

The evening began with a warm welcome by emcee Jigisha Doshi, who set the stage by the importance of patience and attentiveness in experiencing the intricacies of classical music. She also introduced and acknowledged the tireless efforts and commitment of the distinguished Guru Shantilal Shah.

In September 2023, Pandit Shantilal Shah completed an astounding 20 years of teaching in Houston. Thanks were given to those who have supported him, including Dr. Rathna and Anil Kumar of Sanskriti, Shri Ravi and Hema Iyer of Swaralayam arts forum, and Mr. Govind Shetty and Mr. Suresh Shenoy of IMS Houston. The tabla community is
grateful for his dedication, passion, and invaluable musical legacy he has imparted. The concert unfolded with four distinct performances, each showcasing a different dimension of tabla accompaniment.

The evening started with a mesmerizing solo performance by Dhruv Vishwanath, accompanied by Tejas Rode on the harmonium. His presentation of a traditional Tabla solo, including Peshkar, Kaidas, Rela, Tukras and Chakradaars in Teentaal demonstrated his technical prowess and captivated the audience.

Chethan Anant on bansuri and Arun Sabapathy on tabla presented a captivating display of instrumental collaboration. Chethan played Alaap, Jod and Jhala in the rare raag Maalgunji followed by a gat in Rupak and fast tempo Teentaal. He concluded his performance with a semi classical piece. Arun maintained a fast pace and responded swiftly to the nuances of the bansuri, showcasing the mental agility and skill required in
this accompaniment.

Vocalist Shamik Bose was accompanied by Jason Zinn on tabla and Tejas Rode on harmonium. They mesmerized the audience with their sensitive and nuanced performance. Shamik Bose presented a vilambit khayal and drut bandish in raag Jog followed by a Hori. Jason beautifully complemented the emotional journey of the vocalist with a steady and powerful theka, highlighting the importance of understanding the raag and adapting to its changing moods and rhythms.

The final performance featured a graceful Kathak dance by Ekta Popat, accompanied by Anuraag Shah on tabla, Aparna Shah on vocals, Shaily Bhandari with padhant, Tejas Rode on harmonium, and Chethan Anant on flute. Ekta Popat started her kathak performance with a Shiv Vandana, followed by taal Rupak, a thumri and lastly a Tatkar
in drut teental where she was joined by two of her students. Anuraag led off with a powerful solo which set the tone for the performance. Throughout the dance items, he showed his prowess with his expressive accompaniment and creative solo pieces.

Dimensions of Tabla served as a powerful reminder of the significance of tabla accompaniment in Indian classical music. The concert showcased the performers’ virtuosity and educated the audience about the intricate relationship between musicians and their instruments. This memorable event will inspire future generations to appreciate and learn this unique art form.

SUGAR LAND: Author Saborna Roychowdhury’s latest novel, Everything Here Belongs to You, is a captivating exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption set against the rich tapestry of Indian political history and culture. In
the vein of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Roychowdhury draws from her own family’s experiences, weaving a spellbinding narrative that delves deep into the complexities of Indian social relations and identity.

In an era where issues of identity and culture are at the forefront, Everything Here Belongs to You presents a timely and thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationships between diverse cultures and social groups. With masterful storytelling, Roychowdhury challenges readers to confront their own biases and prejudices, urging them to embrace the beauty and diversity that make our world so vibrant.

Roychowdhury’s voice as an Indian-American author offers a fresh and unique perspective on the experiences of the different religions and classes living in Kolkata, shedding light on their joys, struggles, and aspirations and making a vital contribution to contemporary literature. Everything Here Belongs to You stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of diverse voices in shaping the literary landscape.

It also illustrates the relevance of diverse perspectives in literature. On Sunday, February 18, Saborna hosted a book-reading event at her home in Sugar Land to a capacity crowd of guests who were treated to readings from her book, “Everything Here Belongs to You”, and from USA Today’s bestselling author, Nishita Parekh’s, “The Night of the Storm.” in parallel sessions in two living rooms. Writer, Neeta Bhate Patwardhan acted as the moderator.

Saborna and Nishita talked about their publishing journey. Being a writer of color, Saborna talked about what it means to be judged and how one is judged in a literary landscape that is still heavily weighted in favor of white men. She talked about her own struggle to get her book published. She told the guests that the books the publishing industry puts out remain disproportionately white.

The guests agreed that the authentic experiences of people like them are not well represented in the bookstores. They wanted to see more writers from the Indian subcontinent. Nishita Parekh talked about her experiences as a woman and an immigrant. She is a software programmer but a writer at heart. Despite being a mom of a spirited toddler, Nishita pushed hard to complete her debut novel, “The Night of the Storm.” Her novel follows a multigenerational Indian American family who find themselves marooned in the house with a murderer during Hurricane Harvey.
The event ended with a Bengali-style dinner.

By Rahat Sultana

HOUSTON: Never one to flinch at the prospect of holding a mushaira to brighten up the spirits, the Indian
Muslim Assoc. of Greater Houston started the New Year off with an evening of ghazals on Saturday, February 3 at the Elite restaurant on Hwy 6 South. The evening was attended by a full house of ghazal lovers who sat at round
tables, where dinner was served after the performance.

The beautiful ghazals were performed by Ghazal Maestro and longtime Houstonian Shekhar Pathak, accompanied by his friend and tabla player Amit Bhagwat. Shekhar possesses a unique ability to convey the intricate nuances of Urdu poetry through his vocal expressions, making each performance a mesmerizing experience. His rendition of songs by the King of Ghazals, Jagjit Singh, was unbelievably smooth, melodic, and lilting to the core resulting in a rich tapestry of style and sound. Shekhar and Amit kept the audience engaged, entertained, and captivated. The added classical songs by Shekhar left the listeners wanting more! Amitdazzled everyone with the rhythm and beat of the tabla along with the technical skills of the patterns and combinations!

Among the evening’s assembled concertgoers were some of IMAGH’s esteemed members and loyal supporters—Col. and Mrs. Raj Bhalla, Mr. and Mrs. Musa Dakri, Mr. and Mrs. Abhizer Shipchandler, Dr. and Mrs. Jaseem Pasha,
Past President Latafath Husain and many old and new friends.

Taral Patel, a candidate for Ft. Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3, attended the event and spoke to the elite gathering. He is a dedicated advocate and longtime public servant. Patel spoke about the important issues he is fighting for like—housing and jobs in Fort Bend County.

Arrangements for yet another fine event were thanks to IMAGH event planners President Tasnim Vadva, Club 65 President Rahat Sultana and Treasurer Neem Vehvaria who never flinch in organizing these bonding events.

IAA Receives Award as a “Houston Cultural Treasure

HOUSTON: Indo-American Association (IAA) proudly presents its 2024 Season celebrating three decades of performing arts and cultural dialogue. For thirty years, IAA, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization, has worked relentlessly to promote Indian arts and culture in Greater Houston as well as nationally. The organization is now recognized widely as a leader in the community, dedicated to the mission of furthering the art forms of India in North America.

Not only did IAA complete a fantastic season in 2023 that was loved and appreciated by its patrons and supporters, the organization is also ending the year on a high note having been designated a Houston Cultural Treasure by BIPOC Arts Network & Fund.

IAA was also proud to be invited to “Accept a Diwali Resolution from Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner
Lesley Briones” at the Commissioner’s Court. These accolades were followed by recognition and a celebratory dinner hosted by Consul General D.C. Manjunath and Mrs. Arpana Manjunath, which was attended by the IAA Board.

IAA’s exciting 2024 Season includes a slew of diverse performances by exceptional artists that will take Houstonians on a captivating journey through song, dance and passionate storytelling. IAA’s Executive Director, Sheetal Bedi, says, “We are thrilled to announce our 2024 season, of carefully curated and immersive events. Your continued support will empower us to expand our efforts to reach new generations, and our fellow Houstonians of all faiths, colors and leaning.”

The season kicks off on January 27, 2024, with a scintillating performance Ballimaaraan by the Piyush Mishra Project, which Rolling Stone magazine describes as “playful, thought-provoking and folk-fusion driven.”

Subscribe to the new season at iaahouston.org.

By Sanchali Basu

It was a privilege to be invited by artist friend Indranil Sen (whose artist signature is Gopaal Seyn) to speak and honor his students at their RedBlueArts Gallery in Sugar Land the evening of December 3. The RedBlueArts Academy and Gallery has been around since 2021 and I feel fortunate to have been a part of its inauguration ceremony as well.

Having known Gopaal Seyn for a long time, what fascinated me the most is his transition from being a part of the hospitality industry to his successful journey over the years from a budding artist to a well sought after eminent contemporary artist. His mantra is, ‘Abstract expressionism….All about brushwork.’ Some of his famous artworks include a portrait of George HW Bush, a silent tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, a permanent resident at the Indian Consulate in Houston, his portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed for the Howdy Modi event held in Houston in 2019.

Seyn started training students while he still had a full-time job in the hospitality business, since this was his passion. He finally realized that he wanted to follow his passion and spend his entire energy in it full time. That’s when his school started to blossom, and his number of students started to skyrocket.

What is most impressive about Seyn is how he interacts with his students and makes them part of his family. He cries when they must move on and leave. He imparts his all to them, leading to wonderful pieces of art, nudging their creative spirit and helping develop the student’s character and personality.

He provides a quiet refuge for students to express their emotions through art. He offers several formats of education – in person, online, summer camps for different levels of proficiencies.

The exhibition held on December 3rd, highlighted the work done by his intermediate level students. They each had submitted 3 of their paintings earlier for judging and an external judge had been invited to the gallery to judge.

The evening was abuzz with students and their families thronging the gallery to find out which paintings had won. Light refreshments were available for the guests. Rick Pal and I had been invited as the guests of honor to recognize and award the students.

Emcee Shefali got the evening going by inviting the guests of honor to light the ceremonial lamp with Gopaal. Rick Pal, a successful entrepreneur, global executive, TEDx speaker spoke of his long-term friendship with Seyn and expressed his pride and joy to see his amazing journey as an artist and teacher and wished him continued success. Sanchali Basu was introduced as a pharmacist with a passion for the arts like classical dance and teaching Bengali to children. She echoed Rick’s sentiments and lauded the students for making time out of their busy schedules to allow their creative minds to create original work and congratulated all of them for their wonderful display on exhibition.

Certificates and medals were then handed out by the guests of honor to all students and pictures taken. The top 3 and Special Mention honorees were given Amazon gift cards. The guests of honor were presented with flower bouquets.

An announcement was made by the artist about the near completion of his specially commissioned artwork opposite Gate D15 at the International Terminal of the Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston.

For more information about the Academy and Gallery, please visit www.redbluearts.com

HOUSTON: Grand successful “Diwali Dhamaka” event was organized by Khushboo GroupsmLLC, with a huge crowd & full of energetic performances at Iskcon temple’s Gauranga Celebration Hall on 17th Nov 2023, Friday at 6 pm
onwards.

Guest of Honor Judge Juli Mathew did the inauguration ceremony by lighting the diya with Mr Sunil Jaiswal & Mrs Renu Jaiswal. The event started with an Inaugural act by Tharangini Vankadara (Singer) & Music by Mr Atit Tilwankar and back-to-back stage performances by Khushboo Dance Group & other Dance schools from all around Houston — Spotlight Dance studio by Priyanka, Haritha’s Dance group, Divya’s Dance group, Sudipta Rythm group, Sujata’s Nach Balliye, Aparna & Ananya duet performance.

Fashion shows by Payal’s Fashion Palette – Payal Mandewalkar with Designer Hema Mulani- Silk India & Munnari’s Collection by designer Sadia Ahmed & kids designer -My Little Marigold by Gunjan Talwar & Monica Sharma, added a special limelight to the show. Food booth, Diwali Bazaar, and free giveaways brought up the Diwali vibes & special
effects.

Huge sponsorship by many renowned companies such as Tanishq, Strategic Financial Group, Tara Capital, MK groups, Aujla Insurance LLC, Club Z, SBS beyond IT, Airfilter Tech, RazDaz Production, Bisha Herbals, Nishant
Groups made this event a grand successful show of the year 2023. Dhol & DJ – by DJVB was the charm of this
show. Dhol on the hoverboard was the surprise element of this show.

Emcee Lakshmi Peter & Sunaina Panchal kept the audience engaged throughout. They enhanced the energy & uplifted the vibe of Diwali Dhamaka.

By Venugopal Menon

The annual, customarily exceptional fund-raising event of Udavum Karangal presented on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Kalyanamandapam of Sri Meenakshi Temple, was a notch superior than ever before.  Under the gifted guidance of Dr. Padmini Ranganathan and Rajan Radhakrishnan, a team of dedicated artists and volunteers worked tirelessly for months to stage a phenomenally professional English play, titled “Unforgiven”.

The yearly pledge of this Houston team is quite resembling a reparation, a respectful offering to the divine service the establishment across the globe has undertaken.  The altruistic organization based out of Chennai, Udavum Karangal, translated as “Helping Hands”, is the brainchild of its Founding Father “Pappa” Vidyaakar, and his commitment to help the orphans, the destitute and likewise needy human beings.  It was back in 1983, when rescuing an abandoned, dehydrated, groaning boy was brought to Vidyaakar who tenderly embraced the role of his guardian – and never looked back.  Rest is history.

With the help of generous philanthropists from all over, Udavum Karangal is able to save and offer new lease of life to nearly 2,000 unfortunate persons from newborn babies, and children to adults who are deprived, forsaken or abused.  Individualized care is provided as needed, from nutritious food, rehabilitation, education and aid in getting them established in life.  The institution has short or longer residential care, healthcare, educational facilities, disaster management, guidance, counselling, as more services are being added as more needs evolve.

And about twenty years ago, as if by heavenly intervention, a celestial sparkle seemed to have flashed from Thiruverkadu, Tamilnadu all the way across the earth and landed in our space city, Houston, designating one of our own ‘kind and capable hearts’ as the ‘intergalactic guardian’ of Udavum Karangal.  Divine destiny entrusted Padmini Ranganathan, the mastermind with an insatiable ability to help, lead and generate results, enthusiastically taking over the overseas responsibility – and once again, rest is history!

Back to the backbone of the event!  Unforgiven!  Why such a title, the very antithesis of helping hands – Munificent to Miserable; Reverential to Revengeful!  Why?  The very purpose, I am guessing, is challenging the audience to introspect, contemplate and come to their conclusion how such contrasts – from the serene alcoves at Udavum Karangal, Chennai to the fictional sets of KM of MTS in ‘Unforgiven’ – let your minds soar and explore!

About the play, ‘Unforgiven’, I may re-title it “Unparalleled”, on precisely what evolved on stage.  Those who have attended the event needs no explanation. Those who didn’t, missed a Broadway play in Meenakshi Temple.  The narrative is all about a heinous, convoluted crime, where the culprit gets away through legal loopholes. The plot points at various characters as the villains, as the spectators are drawn through their own detective prospects and come out winners or losers, as they can conveniently conclude.

The whole theme revolves around a couple of murders, apparently happening on the sets as we watch, but don’t worry – no fear of any nightmares. They were discretely ‘diluted’ by the deft directorial prowess, but the suspense was carried through the entire show, even after it was through.  The first scene was in a police station, obviously Indian, but organized better.  Raju Vanguri – the yesteryear genius who along with everyone’s long-lost friend Anil Kumar crafted ‘Potato Chips are called French Fries Here’, stole the evening even before it started, as the ‘pant-pulling’ constable Naidu, until inspector Shakthi Rathode roared on to the scene, with her flawless script delivery and body language.  Never recognized it was Surabhi Veeraraghavan – quite a natural!  And then comes she! The ‘Helen Hayes of Houston’, Alpa Shah as Durga, the suspected villain, teasing the audience, if to love or to loathe, until proven beyond a doubt.  Then a surprise entry, the NextGen sensation, beautiful inside-and-out Varsha Vasu, a superstar of tomorrow!  Mahesh Shah, who wiggled in next, must have been an actor even in his mother’s womb, the way he squirms on the stage, appears as the night owl Natwarlal, a crook just the same as the politician he played last.  Dear Srikanth, my friend, nothing is beyond him, donning the role of a chef, needs no uniform, nor a ladle to scoop, neither to ‘cook his character’.  Yogi Patel deserves a pat and certainly chances in the future.

As the scenes change, the lawyers take over, and from then on, it’s all downhill for us the audience.  Their conversation in the far corner was kind of overshadowed by Shivi Pava, the Advocate Assistant, who even as an unnecessary appendage did even better than the lawyers.  Don’t let my praise give you hope, Shivi, that call from Tollywood may never come.  Then come the titans. No words to compliment the veterans, Vishi the professional who can shine in any role, and my good old friend Kas Saranathan, lawyer Parameshwaran, the enigmatic ‘best among equals’, quoting Sydney Sheldon, the attorney par excellence, the Rajat Kamal award candidate from Houston stages.  Court scenes follow – the accused in the cage, the witnesses shifting places on their stand, and the attorneys reaching at each other’s throats.  There were some tense moments when Charanya, as prosecutor Neeti was aiming at the jugulars of her male opponents, but none among them had a clue, who the real executioner was.  The judge at the lower court, Prabha Bala, didn’t seem to care, but in her sleepy, stubborn style, declared the fastest verdict ever, in the history of the courts!

As I thought it was over and could get some dinner, it was just the beginning.  Durga went to the higher court, presided by experienced, Honorable Judge George Willy, who put the attorneys in their places and after the passionate back-and-forth diatribes, ‘Mother’ Durga was exonerated, absolved, freed.  Poof!  Judge declared that she may go back to her ‘Sanctum’.

Still not over.  After the curtain draws, they bring on a jungle on to the stage.  Apparently, Durga’s backyard, I had to believe! The scene explodes – histrionics double dose, here we go again.  Those who left early, missed it all!  The epilogue was about Lakshmi’s rape-murder, that you may come in late in the beginning.  If your curiosity lasts that long, come back next year. On time.

It was way past snack-digestion and dinner for my queasy stomach!  Someone whispered loud, it is not intermission, yet.  Of course, it is justified that the several artists in front and behind the screen owe to be acknowledged, applauded and admired.  It was done, elegantly, though a bit elaaaaborately.  The intricate and interesting story and dialogue by Houston Chandramouli, mesmeric masterpiece stage setting and decoration by Nalini Kannan, faultless sound and stage control by Partha Krishnasamy, innovative and pleasing live music by Mahesh Iyer, assisted by Anirudh, magical make up by Lakmi Pawa that erased the real ones, and enchanting play back by Mahalakshmi Krishnan, the immaculate spectacle was pure delight.

Huge accolades to all the talents, offering such a marvelous, Houston proud show, and in support of a most worthy, humanitarian cause – Udavum Karangal. 

By Sudha Mani

HOUSTON: SRIRANJANI SANTHANAGOPALAN is a young artiste is who taking the world of Carnatic music by storm and has expanded its reach , particularly among younger audiences . She is the disciple of her father eminent Vocalist Sri. Neyveli Santhanagoplan .Even though she started her serious formal training to become a professional singer relatively late, she has established a strong place for herself in the music circles.  Within the framework of the strong traditional style of her father’s teaching, she has developed a Baani that is quite uniquely hers. We in Houston were treated to wonderful concert on the opening day of Navarathri.

On October 15, 2023, Classical Arts Society presented at the Sri Meenakshi Temple a special concert by Vocalist Sriranjani Santhangopalan, with Sayee Rakshith on the violin and Praveen Sparsh on the Mridangam. And special it truly was! It was so imbued in Bhakthi and given the auspicious time of year, it left no doubt in the minds of the audience that Music is one of the surest ways of experiencing the Divine.

As the curtains opened showing the artistically decorated stage, the seated artists had a presence indicating a “kallai” concert ahead.

CAS Board member Lakshmi Srivaths warmly welcomed and introduced the artists and thanked President Nalini Sadagopan for enabling to bring such a wonderful artist for our Special Navaratri Concert.

In her choice of kritis, Sriranjani kept the occasion and venue in mind and adorned the Goddess with a garland that got more fragrant with each piece. Starting with an ode to Saraswathi, the Goddess of Music and Wisdom, Sarasiruha Sanapriye Amba in Nattai Ragam, the artiste set the stage for what was to come.

Akhilandeshwari in Jujawanthi/Dwijawanthi followed and was sung at a leisurely pace highlighting all the loops and curves of this raga.

Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitars adaptation of the Hindustani Rag to the Carnatic style was showcased so beautifully as Sriranjani straddled the t two schools easily in the Prayogams. The feeling of intimate devotion and love for Devi that this kriti evokes everytime one listens to it, speaks to its intrinsic beauty, making us surrender to her protection: Rakshamaam.

A quick transition to Nalinakanthi in NathajanaPaalini composed by Tanjavur Sri Shankara Iyer , changed the mood slightly . Every word of this composition is descriptive of the Devis attributes…. calling Her Navarasa kala rasike, Janani, Pankaja Netri, Parama Pavitra, Marakatha Varna, and above all Parama kripakari . Here the artists elaboration at Parama kripakari was very poignant, establishing that the Mother Goddess is the Ultimate protector of Her devotees.

Janani Ninnuvinna Amba a composition of Subbaraya Shastry in Reetigowlai implores Her to hear the devotees’ plea to be the savior and come to their rescue without delay.  The presentation of the lilting

chittaswaram and the devotion laden lyrics had a healing effect.

Sriranjani announced the next piece Kamala Charane as an example of GNBs genius in a Raga of his creation, Amritabehag . It has resemblance to both Amrithavarshini and Behag and is rather interesting because of the Vakra swaras. What an endless ocean our music system is with so many permutations and combinations!

The main Ragam presented was Mohanam. The raga exploration brought out, true to its name, all the sweetness of Mohanam. But it was more that that. The hallmark of Sriranjani’s voice is its malleability. She is capable of portraying power and pathos, adoration, and agile twists. Mohanam was presented with equal ease in the higher and lower octaves. Every embellishment could be discerned in the higher registers and every loop and glide appreciated in the lower.

Dikshitars grand composition Jagadeeshwari Kripai Puri was presented with passion begging the goddess to confer her Grace to those who worship at her feet. The Chittaswaram was apparently composed highlighting the Daiwatham : and so Sriranjani chose Da as the fulcrum point to traverse the Mohanam scale . The exchange between the vocalist and violinist had been very engaging and here in this main piece, their delight in their exchange was palpable.

The Mridangam solo section by Sri Praveen Sparsh was extraordinary. The sound quality and energy that he delivered was unparalleled. It was sharp and precise, engaging and invigorating. Many a time, it was like spoken syllables were emanating from the percussionist’s fingers.

The audience applauded in true appreciation at the end of his Thani.

Two Ragamalikai compositions followed, one being the Ranjanamala showcasing the Devis beauty in each the four ragas of the Ranjani family. The Tirupugazh Maatha Marakatha Shalini was very soulful.

And finally in a true outpouring of Bhakti Bhava and Oneness, Sriranjani concluded with an Abhang in Brindavanasaranga. The devotee is praying to Panduranga with such fevour and devotion that he/she goes into a trance, and visualizes Panduranga as Jagadamba, Devi. The Mother is Omniscient. The Mother is the creator, the healer, the protector. Momentarily, many in the audience were transported, transfixed. Sriranjani ‘s music took us all to a different realm; for many, a new realm.

There was so much New in the Old..

HOUSTON: Travelers at Houston’s Intercontinental Airport will be transported under the sea when walking through the “Aquarius Art Tunnel” by Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee. The contemporary artist, originally from Mumbai, now residing in the Oak Forest Houston, wants to live in a world where everyone can experience the beauty of the ocean – even in between flights.

Mahimtura Folmsbee’s installation includes colorful murals of aquatic life, floor designs, lenticulars and ceiling tiles. A didactic panel explains the full features and offers augmented reality capabilities.

Original music, composed by Andrew Karnavas, plays in the space, as well as recordings provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Mahimtura Folmsbee also contributed sounds from her personal diving excursions. She began scuba diving 14 years ago and has completed 259 dives.

The design was inspired by Flower Garden Banks Marine National Sanctuary on the Texas coast. In the installation, Mahimtura Folmsbee included dozens of sea creatures, from coral, fish and sharks to dolphins, matra rays and octopi.

The detailed art was created with the newest mural-making technology. Mahimtura Folmsbee worked with experts at Moody Gardens to ensure the work is scientifically accurate, representing the deeper regions of the Gulf of Mexico.

The title of the installation pays homage to the constellation Aquarius, the water-bearer. The word “Aquarius” can be broken down into: “aqua,” representing water; “ri,” inspired by the Hindi word “humari,” which translates to “ours,” and finally “us.”

Marine conservation is at the center of Mahimtura Folmsbee’s oeuvre. This installation will serve as a continuation of years of effort to draw attention to the health of the world’s oceans. “Marine life and algae need our help now more than ever,” she said.

Already, the tunnel is receiving international attention. Mahimatura Folmsbee was honored with the “People’s Choice” prize from CODAawards: Collaboration of Design + Art.

Winners in other categories reside across the country – and around the globe. Mahimtura Folsmbee is bringing the award to Texas – a major win for the city of Houston.

She has been named a CODAworx 2023 Creative Revolutionary, one of the top art and design leaders changing the world.

The Aquarius Art Tunnel has been endorsed by the NOAA Sanctuary offices in Galveston and received the National Mural Award in 2023 for Region 4.

The United Nations Decades of Ocean Science For Sustainable Development, created by UNESCO, endorsed the Aquarius Art Tunnel as a global site for its scientific and educational importance towards ocean conservation through artistic outreach.

Mahimtura Folmsbee is the first female South Asian artist to be featured in the Houston Airports Public Art Program and collection. The tunnel, commissioned by Houston Airports, has an added significance for Mahimtura Folmsbee, since it is where she, and countless others, take the flight home to India.

Mahimtura Folmsbee works with marine scientists in the global community and sits on the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, as an advisory to the superintendent of the sanctuary through NOAA.

For more information about Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee, visit janavimfolmsbee.com.