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
Kaleidoscope
Created by: Glebelands Primary SchoolLocation: King Richard III Visitor CentreThe whole school had the brief of diversity. They then represented this in their designs along with the school values of Empathy, Learning, Respect and Kindness. The whole school agreed that...
Geraldine
Created by: Gartree High SchoolLocation: This + That by LOROSAll of our KS3 students worked so hard in coming up with incredible design ideas for our elephant - exploring different cultures, the idea of loss and healing, and things that give us happiness and comfort....
Atlas
Created by: Ellesmere CollegeLocation: Westcotes LibraryEllesmere students have been looking at environmental issues this year. They wanted to highlight some of those issues in the design of Atlas and in his description. Green house gas emissions associated with food...
Dorothy
Created by: Dorothy Goodman SchoolLocation: Attenborough Arts Centre - The Salmon GalleryThe sculpture was delivered to the Vocational Sixth Form site of Dorothy Goodman School. Students got to see the elephant for the first time in an end of day assembly. They were...
Rosemary
Created by: Danemill Primary SchoolSponsored by: SimplifyLocation: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallAfter hearing about the ASHA charity and how they support children in the slums of India the Children of Danemill thought there would be no one better to look to for...
Effie
Created by: Church Hill Infant SchoolLocation: Leicester Guildhall- Great HallWe based the design on our school values. Each class was given a focus value to create a design for their section of the elephant. The five designs were; Teamwork, Excellence, Being Unique,...
Addai
Created by: Christ the King Catholic Voluntary AcademyLocation: Westcotes LibraryAll children had the chance to submit a design idea for our elephant. From nearly 200 designs, a selection from across year groups were picked to be included in our final design. The idea...
Sparkle
Created by: Christ Church & St Peter's Primary SchoolLocation: LOROS Bookshop - WindowThe whole school took part in a competition to design Sparkle. We really wanted her to represent the school, our values… and our sparkly edges! Someone mentioned the tea towels...
Artie
Created by: Charnwood ArtsSponsored by: Morningside (Aspire Pharma)Location: Attenborough Arts Centre- The Salmon GalleryCharnwood Arts is dedicated to promoting creativity, inclusion and community engagement through the arts. This is why our artists wanted to create...