CHENNAI : With World Disability Day around the corner, AIM for Seva Krupa Home in collaboration with Chennai Weekend Artist (CWA) is organising ‘Threads of Compassion’, an art exhibition at Focus Art Gallery. “We run a home for men with developmental disabilities and, the question raised when we meet parents of these children has always been: ‘Who will take care of my child after us?’. So, this home was started to take care of such children till the end of their lifetime, and to provide therapy, vocational training, and good food,” shares Sheela Balaji, managing trustee, AIM for Seva.
Talking about the collection of paintings done independently by the residents of the home in Sriperumbudur and members of CWA, she smiles, “They all had a great time when the artists visited our facility in Sriperumbudur.
They spent the whole day painting, colouring, talking and having lunch with each other. While the residents and CWA created their own works, there are some works that have been inspired by each other too!” she says pointing to a painting which is the work of both a resident and an artist. “This overlapping and inspired art works are a delight to look at and instantly makes you smile.”
Sheela says they wanted to curate something that would exhibit the talent and thoughts of the residents. “When we saw what the residents had painted, we were amazed. It would look like the work of a child but, it’s all individual views of the world. Not one painting is same as the other,” she says.
For instance, one of the residents who weaves in the facility took to drawing and colouring an array of colourful threads depicting the weaving process. “It’s how they see the world. We have 40 men, between 18 and 65 years and each person has something to say. Seeing their work exhibited will give them pride and also sensitise the public about the disability,” elucidates Sheela.
Clay modelling, weaving, gardening, helping take care of the cows and playing games are how these residents spend their day. A small documentary film about the residents of the home will also running at the three-day exhibition. “We have taken some of the art works to make cards as well. It’s a very small exhibition and we would like people to lend their support,” smiles Sheela.
Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri Ramnath will be inaugurating the show.
The art works will be exhibited in Focus Art Gallery from December 1 to 3. For details, call: 9500060153