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
Miku Hoshino (Future Star Field)
Created by: Thurnby Mead Primary AcademySponsored by: Dryad EducationLocation: LCB Depot - windowInspired by the galaxy and stars, Thurnby Mead Primary Academy’s design seeks to celebrate its community’s diversity, uniqueness, and unity. The children contributed to...
Harry
Created by: Thurmaston Scouts & GuidesLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre - Central SquareThurmaston Scouts & Guides held a competition amongst its’ 400+ young members to design an elephant that showed off what Scouting & Guiding is all about. The winning...
Hilda
Created by: The Roundhill AcademyLocation: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery - Leicester Stories Gallery (downstairs)The tutor groups came up with a range of innovative designs. The student leadership team and the art club finalised the design. Hilda encompasses all...
The kindest elephant in town
Created by: The Pastures Primary SchoolLocation: Attenborough Arts Centre - The Salmon GalleryA group of children spent time discussing the message they wanted their elephant to convey. They shared ideas and designs, ensuring the best elements were included and merged...
Mabel the Elephant
Created by: The Meadow Community Primary School & Pre-schoolLocation: Leicester Cathedral - GalleryPupils and staff at The Meadow wanted Mabel’s design to illustrate and bring their ideas to life of the origin of our school’s name and as a representation of a...
Glenephant
Created by: The Hall Primary SchoolLocation: Fosse Neighbourhood Centre & LibraryThe whole school had the opportunity to submit design ideas for painting the elephant. We selected two winners but the final design was a collaborative effort. Lots of people made a...
Hopeblossom
Created by: The Early Years Academy - IbstockLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - opposite BootsHopeblossom is a gentle soul who carries memories with grace and joy. Her blossom tree reminds us that beauty can bloom in the hardest of times, and the butterflies made from...
CHS Elle the Elephant
Created by: The Childrens Hospital SchoolLocation: Leicester Print Workshop - windowAs a school we teach across 5 school bases and in children’s homes. We wanted to create a whole school sculpture that reflected each base's individual setting but also remember that we...
Addie the Elephant
Created by: The Bodie Hodges FoundationSponsored by: Juice Creative ER RecruitmentLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - John Lewis bridgeAddie is grieving, he feels sad because his sibling has died. You will see his bright vibrant colours but come closer and explore how he...