Anushka
Created by: Bhavna Mapara
Sponsored by: Fleet Auction Group
Location: Gallowtree Gate – South
Overview
This design has been inspired by Leicester’s renowned South Asian heritage and diverse cultures, rich in vibrancy, unity and celebration. The elephant is held in admiration in many communities, representing strength, resilience, the ability to overcome obstacles – all desired qualities for navigating difficult times. In the Hindu religion, elephants are sacred symbols of peace and mental strength and are adorned with elaborate costumes to reflect the high regal regard for these majestic animals. The name Anushka transcends many
cultures; in Sanskrit it means a ‘ray of light’, bringing love and happiness.
Location
Gallowtree Gate – South
Meet the Artist
Bhavna Mapara
Art by Bhav; contemporary abstract art, created intuitively from the soul to evoke emotion and inspire a momentary escape. I am an artist based in Leicester and I specialise in creating bespoke spiritual, silhouette (line) and animal art. I create art with a modern aura, elegant lines and my signature intricate stonework. I paint intuitively to invoke feelings and there is nothing more gratifying than seeing my creations in their forever homes. I love abstract art as it’s open to interpretation and the beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
I paint with mainly acrylics and metallics on canvas and love working with texture in my pieces. My signature style for spiritual pieces involves incorporating intricate stonework to add dimension. I naturally follow my instincts and trust my senses to create mesmerising pieces, art that captures attention.
I am a busy mum of 3 boys and I also have a full-time job. Art has always been my passion and is something I have carved out for myself to allow a little escapism and to inspire mental wellbeing.
Meet the Sponsor
Fleet Auction Group
The Fleet Auction Group is a vehicle auction & remarketing company with its Head Office based in Leicestershire.
We are the UK’s leading trade only auction, remarketing a huge range of vehicles including cars, vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles, trucks & trailers, plant equipment & motorcycles which are offered on behalf of vehicle manufacturers and many of the UK’s leading fleet, finance, contract hire and leasing companies.

Meet the Elephants
Phoenix
Created by: Kibworth Mead AcademyLocation: Highcross Upper Mall- John Lewis bridgeWith representatives from across the KMA community, the team spent time discussing ideas and planning their individual patches before embarking upon the paint stage. They each created a...
The Sum of Our Parts
Created by: Jess PerrinLocation: Highcross Upper Mall- outside Timberland / Holland & BarrettThe Sum of our Parts is based on the concept that everybody is made up of the four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. In many cultures it is believed that once we die,...
Ivy
Created by: Iveshead SchoolLocation: Peppercorns Cafe - Abbey ParkIvy is the result of over 200 design ideas submitted by Iveshead students that we have combined to make a patchwork of student's creativity. Peppercorns Cafe - Abbey ParkMeet the Elephants
Hathi
Created by: India Inspired CraftsLocation: Belgrave LibraryOur sculpture has been decorated in beautiful, colourful mandalas and paisleys. Hand painted by India Inspired Crafts workshop members using bright, bold colours and embellished in gold and silver detailing....
Elphis Presley ‘The King of Elephants’
Created by: Humphrey Perkins School Location: Leicester Cathedral- GalleryThe school held a competition for the design of Elphis. Our winning students merged their designs to create an ultimate design for Elphis.The design for Elphis is a combination of mandala...
Daisy
Created by: Highcliffe Primary SchoolSponsored by: MertruxLocation: Lyme Regis: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallThe whole school took part in a competition to design Daisy. Pupils and govenors then picked winning entries from each key stage. We took elements from each...
Duncan (the creative Elephant)
Created by: Herewoode AcademySponsored by: AMPA FoundationLocation: DMU - The GalleryStudents were challenged to design an elephant in the style of their favourite artist to represent the diversity of cultures and styles within the school. The best sixteen were given...
Mertie
Created by: Haymarket Shopping Centre Community HubLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre- Community Hub (Window)The children at the Merton were very excited at the prospect of receiving an elephant to design. Following a whole school assembly, where we were joined by...
Florence
Created by: Gorse Covert Youth ProjectLocation: Leicester Central Library - UpstairsThe starting point was “What does the community centre mean to you?” the images on Florence reflect the activities and opportunities available to people of all ages who use the...