It was really an inspiring moment for the patients and staff at Ernakulam Government General Hospital on Wednesday when they got a chance to interact with a young artist who uses the healing power of art to get the strength to chase his dreams.
Praveesh Chandra, 29-year-old from Triprayar in Thrissur, is confined to a wheelchair for the past one year due to muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens the musculoskeletal system and hampers movement. He was at the hospital as part of the Arts and Medicine project of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF). An exhibition of his paintings organised at the hospital was inaugurated by cine actor Unni Mukundan.
His paintings include portraits of some of the world’s most influential figures like Mother Teresa and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.
“They are the people who shows the way for the less-fortunate in our society,” said Praveesh Chandra. “They are my source of inspiration to live life courageously. My works reflect my dreams and ambitions. They sometimes mirror my life,” the artist said.
Art lovers who thronged the venue to see the exhibition were all praise for the artist and one of his works was sold at the venue.
The Mehaboob Memorial Orchestra simultaneously organised a musical program on the hospital premises.
Wednesday’s event was 13th in the series of programmes held under the guidance of Dr Iva Fattorini, Chair of Global Arts and Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and the Ernakulam district administration.