GADSDEN, AL — Internationally influenced mixed-media artist Nanda Patel will debut her newest exhibition, Karmic Circles, during a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at the Meadows Art Gallery on the Wallace Drive campus of Gadsden State Community College.
The exhibition features 17 original works and marks the culmination of three years of artistic exploration, reflection and creation. Through mixed-media pieces that incorporate acrylics, oils, watercolor and heirloom Indian saris, Patel invites viewers to explore themes of spirituality, identity, displacement, healing and the shared human experience.
Born in Kenya to British Indian parents, Patel’s artistic perspective has been shaped by experiences living in India, London and the United States. Her multicultural background serves as a foundation for her work, which blends diverse cultural influences with personal storytelling.
“Karmic Circles is a series of artworks that delves into the age-old understanding of good karma, Atma, and the journey on earth to Bramand,” Patel said. “Three artworks on the wall depict the journey of a soul. These works are created with saris, acrylics, and canvas. The six disks, painted on both sides, represent the good karmas we are called to follow. The work is done on Indian dancing skirts and canvas. Enjoy the journey.”
The collection explores the Hindu concept of Atma, or soul, as well as themes of karmic responsibility and human interconnectedness. Among the featured works is Circles of Life, which depicts duties represented as circles that drift away once fulfilled. Another centerpiece, The Atma, combines fabric, acrylics and embellishments to symbolize spirituality, karma and transcendence.
According to Patel’s portfolio, the exhibition emerged from years of artistic growth and introspection following a mentorship and artistic internship in Gadsden. Her broader body of work frequently examines diversity, displacement, nonviolence and healing through layered visual narratives.
Mario Gallardo, division chair of Fine Arts at Gadsden State, said Patel’s work offers both visual impact and meaningful reflection.
“Nanda’s work is visually striking, but more importantly, it carries extraordinary depth and humanity,” Gallardo said. “Her ability to merge cultural history, spirituality and personal storytelling through mixed media creates an experience that resonates across backgrounds and generations. Meadows Art Gallery is honored to host this remarkable exhibition.”
Patel has exhibited throughout Alabama for more than a decade, with previous solo exhibitions including East-West: My Journey, The Lady in a Sari: The Art of the Sari and Nanda’s Journey. Her portfolio currently includes approximately 95 works created between 1983 and 2026.
“It is an honor to exhibit a local artist at Gadsden State and to have the opportunity to invite the public to experience art of this magnitude, free of charge,” Gallardo said.
The reception is free and open to the public and will be hosted by Gadsden State’s Division of Fine Arts. Guests may attend at any time during the come-and-go event.
In addition to creating and exhibiting artwork, Patel hosts cultural “Sari Experiences” at Gallery at 808, where she shares the history, symbolism and artistry of heirloom saris dating from 1949 to the present.
For more information about the exhibition, visit the Gadsden State Division of Fine Arts Facebook page.
