Vimala Arunachalam of Plainsboro presents oil paintings with a focus on archways at the Gallery at Plainsboro Library from Saturday, January 5, to Wednesday, January 30. A reception takes place Sunday, January 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.
“The paintings are inspired by architecture seen during the artist’s travels, and focus on archways that give us the flavor of the locale, the subtleties of the light, and a perhaps a glimpse of the life through the archway,” says Donna Senopoulos, the gallery director. Arunachalam will discuss her paintings and their stories at the reception.
Arunachalam, born in South India, developed a passion for art at an early age. She remembers doing “crafty things” as a child. During her studies in biology she created pictures of animals and plants. She received a degree in biology from a school in India and was a scientist near Worcester, Massachusetts. She is now retired from Bank of America and has lived in Plainsboro for 25 years.
Her husband, Thangavel Arunachalam, recently retired from Bracco Research in Plainsboro. Their son, Sridhar, graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School in 1991 and received a degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. An engineer, he lives in Hillsborough with his wife, Vidya, and their five-month-old daughter, Alisha.
About 10 years ago Arunachalam became more serious about art and began studying with Marcel Franquelin, a classically trained artist with an atelier in South Brunswick.
“This influence can be seen in her style in the archway series, along with her attention to the shapes of the semi-circular arch and the passages beneath,” says Senopoulos.
Arunachalam also paints still life, landscapes, and reverse glass paintings. Her works have been exhibited in West Windsor, South Brunswick, Bedminster, New York City, Europe, and India. She has won several awards.
Arunachalam also performs vocal Indian classical music, mainly with her teacher, Sarojini Thanabalasingham.
Her father owned an auto parts and repair business and her mother was a housewife. The family, including her six siblings, lived with her grandparents. “There were 11 of us,” she says. Arunachalam tries to visit once a year.
Arunachalam’s works may also be seen at “The Places of Our Lives,” an exhibit of original works, on display at the Gallery in the South Brunswick Municipal Building through Monday, January 7. Participating artists from Plainsboro include Arunachalam, Bill Hoo, and Pablo Riestra.
— Lynn Miller
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Sunday, January 13, 2 to 4 p.m. Reception for an exhibit of paintings by Vimala Arunachalam. On view to Wednesday, January 30. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
