Indian egg artist holds solo art exhibition in Chicago

A renowned Indian egg artist in the US has held a solo exhibition displaying 70 intricately hand-carved creations made out of egg shells of different birds.
Farha Sayeed held the two-day art exhibition 'The Easter Eggstravaganza' for the first time at the historic Chicago Symphony Centre from March 20.
The artist used eggs shells of various birds -- Ostrich, Rhea, Emu, Goose, Duck, Turkey and Guinea eggs for her creations.
With attention to minute detail, the artist embellished the art pieces with crystals, rhinestone chains and golden filigree, attracting hundreds of art lovers, state officials and diplomats from several countries, according to a statement.

The lead pieces at the show, 'Eggstravaganza' and 'Nirvana', along with 'Apostles of Peace', a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa on an Emu egg shell received particular admiration from the visitors.
Sayeed, who is married to Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, said she got exposed to Egg Art seventeen years ago, while she was in Qatar.

"The fragility of an eggshell appealed to me as a unique medium to test my creativity. I can switch over easily from painting to carving to calligraphy to etching on the egg shell and the scope seems to be unlimited," Sayeed said.

She also said that over the years, she has attempted introducing Indian motifs and calligraphy into her art.
A part of proceeds from the sale at the exhibition will go to the America-India Foundation's Maternal and New Born Survival Initiative (MANSI), the statement said.
In the past, she has hosted solo exhibitions in Copenhagen, Jeddah, New Delhi and Sanaa.