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Shades of sensitivity
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They are paintings from within... "Heart of Art", a show presented by The Forum, at The Showcase, today and tomorrow gives you an opportunity to serve the mentally challenged. Want to make a difference to their lives? Read on...
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The strokes are spontaneous and the colour schemes rejuvenating. But sadly, the celebration of colour on the canvases is a stark contrast to the lack of colour in their lives...
For the inmates of Asha Niketan, a home for mentally challenged adults, painting merely means unleashing their uninhibited spirit. All they need to do is pick up the brush and have a go. And as they paint with undiluted pleasure, their hidden creative potential emerges. Self-expression is hardly muddled with procedures or philosophies. For, what is desired is not pretty pictures, but just the joy of participating in an invigorating artistic experience.
Yet, the outcome is unbelievable. Abstract watercolours with fluid strokes and tonal strength spring to life, fit enough for a public show.
A far cry from the clamour for commerce so prevalent in today's art galleries, The Forum has put together an exhibition of these works titled "Heart of Art". The signatures do not matter here. It's the work. And of course, the cause. The proceeds of the exhibition at The Showcase, 10, Shyam's Garden, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, on December 6 (inauguration at 6.00 p.m.) and December 7 (10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.), will go towards the renovation of the workshop for the mentally challenged at their home in Asha Niketan, Kottivakkam.
Speaking about the show, which is being presented in association with the Madras Heritage Round Table-124, Shalini Biswajit of The Forum Art Gallery, says, ``it's amazing that despite their limitations and lack of formal training, the mentally disabled could create such works.'' Pointing out to some of the vibrant paintings on display, she adds, ``See the way the varied elements of art harmonise in their works."
Gopi, Peter Daly, Jayakumar, Veeran, Uma Shankar, Bala, Dilli, Franci, Ramesh, Indra Gandhi, Pachiammal or the youngest of them all, Assiya...they are all naturals who have discovered a fresh feeling of self-worth. Recounting one of her many trips to Asha Niketan, Shalini describes how Assiya, with gleam in her eyes, grabbed her hands and led her to the workshop to see her painting.
This feeling of self-worth is being given further impetus by the Madras Heritage Round Table-124, which has supported Asha Niketan's endeavour to bring out reproductions of the paintings in the form of cards for New Year. Priced Rs. 10 each, these cards for a cause are classy in terms of materials used and the artwork. Every card bought is bound to make a difference to the lives of the mentally challenged.
As part of The Forum's effort to extend support to Asha Niketan, Shalini also has plans to commission works to the inmates of the home. ``These paintings are constant reminders of our need to serve...''
For further details regarding the exhibition, call 98400 45826. Those interested in purchasing the cards can contact: The Director, Asha Niketan, 1/194, East Coast Road, Kottivakkam, Chennai-41, phone 4927798.
T.KRITHIKA REDDY
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