A vibrant new art exhibition, Journey of the Blue Sun, has opened, showcasing the stunning sculptures and installations of artist Saroj Patel.
This marks her first solo show, where she uses her artwork to take visitors on a journey from a small village in India to a new life in the UK.
The exhibition, featuring an array of textiles, sound, and video elements, highlights collaborative pieces created with women from the Sunrise Multicultural Project in Banbury.
Patel, who resides in Oxfordshire, draws inspiration from the “powerful” stories her parents shared about their migration experience.
Reflecting on her parents’ journey, Patel shared, “I have always been fascinated by their stories about their initial move to the UK, the experiences they had, and how different life was compared to India. Like many Indians who migrated to the UK, they faced numerous challenges and difficulties. However, being a second-generation immigrant has positively impacted my life in many ways. It has given me far more choices and opportunities than I would have had if I had been born in the villages in Gujarat.”
In a conversation with BBC’s Rena Annobil, Patel emphasized the importance of storytelling.
“I feel like everybody has a story, and everybody’s story is important. If you can share yourself a little bit, it gives an understanding to other people who might not understand your background or some of your culture, and it allows people to learn.”
Patel’s creative sessions with the women at the Banbury group were particularly meaningful.
“I got to be with a group of wonderful South Asian women, and we worked together. It was just about being creative and playful, getting to know each other, and making work together. I absolutely loved their creations and what they did,” she expressed.
Curator Mark Devereux praised Patel’s work, stating, “Journey of the Blue Sun shares an important personal story that resonates with many communities living in the UK today. The new work Saroj has produced for this exhibition signals an exciting future for this ambitious and talented artist.”
Journey of the Blue Sun is supported by the Old Fire Station in Oxford, alongside Arts Council England, Oxford City Council, and Little Greene.
The exhibition will be on display until November 16, 2024.
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