05/28/26
Nanda Patel Unveils “Karmic Circles” Exhibition at Meadows Art Gallery
Gadsden, Ala. — After three years of artistic exploration, reflection and creation, internationally influenced mixed-media artist Nanda Patel will debut her newest exhibition, Karmic Circles, at the Meadows Art Gallery on the Wallace Drive campus of Gadsden State Community College from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18.
The exhibition features 17 original works and invites viewers on an immersive journey through themes of spirituality, identity, displacement, healing and the shared human experience. Opening this season at Meadows Art Gallery, Karmic Circles represents one of Patel’s most personal and ambitious collections to date.
Born in Kenya to British Indian parents and shaped by life experiences living in India, London and the United States, Patel’s work reflects a richly layered multicultural identity. Her mixed-media pieces incorporate acrylics, oils, watercolor and heirloom Indian saris woven directly into her canvases. According to her artist statement, “These layered cultural experiences – Kenyan, Indian, British, and American – form the foundation of my artistic practice.”
"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 karmic responsibility and human interconnectedness. One featured piece, Circles of Life, portrays “duties in the form of a circle” that “float away as soon as duties are completed.” Another centerpiece, The Atma, combines acrylics, fabric and embellishments to symbolize spirituality, karma and transcendence.
Patel’s portfolio notes that the exhibition emerged from years of artistic development and introspection following a transformative mentorship and artistic internship in Gadsden. Her work frequently examines themes of displacement, diversity, nonviolence and healing through deeply personal visual narratives.
Mario Gallardo, division chair of Fine Arts at Gadsden State praised Patel’s artistic voice and the significance of the exhibition.
“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, including previous solo exhibitions such as 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 exhibition reception is free and open to the public and is hosted by Gadsden State’s Division of Fine Arts. Guests may attend at any time during the come-and-go reception.
For more information visit the Gadsden State Division of Fine Arts Facebook page.
About the Artist
In addition to exhibiting and teaching art, Patel also 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.
Patel is a Gadsden-based ethnic folk and mixed-media artist whose work explores spirituality, identity, displacement and healing through multicultural perspectives and layered artistic techniques. Her art incorporates paint, collage, textiles and heirloom fabrics to create immersive visual narratives inspired by lived experience across four cultures.
For exhibit information or artist inquiries, contact Nanda Patel, owner of Gallery at 808, at (205) 919-4780.
