MELBOURNE, 10 October, 2025: The festival of lights – Diwali, is visible all over Melbourne and St. Kilda was no exception, but with a difference. Here we today had a arty Diwali, with nine artists displaying their creations, at the Space2b Social Design, to mark Diwali. Festive Shades – is a rather unusual concept compared to the otherwise loud festivities with dances and music. Here the music was live, soft and appreciation from art lovers in plenty.
Organised by the Indian Australian Artists Inc. (IAA), the mix of folk, Madhubani, Tanjore, Warli and Gond creations, reflected the deep rooted cultural identity and indigenous ethos. The live music by Jessie Hillel, a runner-up in New Zealand’s Got Talent, no doubt, added to the artistic ambience.
A glance at the paintings made it a special event laced with festivity and a sense of fulfilment. The paintings depicted Laxmi (Hindu goddess), Buddha and folk art forms.
Participating artists, Kanchan Joshi, Krishna Simhadri, Gayathri Elangovan, Meghna Bhatt, Mohini Patwardhan, Prateksha, Priti Gune, Pushpa Murugan, and Rashmi Gore, came one by one in front of true believers and introduced themselves are their paintings. One could see the glow of creation in their words.
The best ones were awarded and Labor MP, Matt Fregon, was there to encourage the artists organisers.
Space2b is an art, culture & cuisine training hub comprising a retail outlet, gallery, laneway café, design studio, workshop & training space, and small business hub situated at 144 Chapel St, St Kilda, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3182.
