Wokingham

Visitors to Wokingham Borough Council’s Mall Gallery can enjoy an exhibition of henna paintings this May, with a new Art of Henna exhibition. The Mall Gallery is hosting a month-long photographic exhibition of henna painting by Berkshire artist Riffat.

Henna painting is an ancient art form. Leaves of the henna plant are dried and used to dye the skin, hair, nails – even fabric and leather. Riffat is a henna and make-up artist who specialises in contemporary, traditional and Arabic Henna. She works entirely free-hand to produce beautiful, exotic temporary designs inspired by the traditions of India, Pakistan and Arabia.

The Wokingham exhibition will be launched at a private view event on Thursday May 8 at 6pm by Wokingham Borough Council mayor Cllr Annette Drake. The event will feature demonstrations of henna painting by Riffat. Food will be provided by the Indian Community Association.

Wokingham Borough Council mayor Cllr Annette Drake said: “I am delighted that the Mall Gallery is hosting this exciting and unique exhibition. Henna painting is a beautiful art form.

“I am extremely grateful to Riffat and The Cultural Partnership for making this exhibition possible and I hope many people will visit The Mall Gallery to see these wonderful photographs for themselves.”

This free exhibition is running until Friday May 30 and is open for the public to view 8.30am to 5pm every weekday. The Mall Gallery is located in the Civic Offices at Shute End and is sponsored by the Cultural Partnership.

Wokingham Borough Council