Born out of an undeterred will to withstand every challenge of life around them, two specially-abled artists, R Udayakumar and K Narasimhalu from Chennai, are determined to not let the impressions of their surroundings go in vein. So what if Udaykumar suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Narasimhalu from Cerebral Palsy, their medical conditions have never been a limitation to their artistic freedom. In their exhibition titled Rainbow of Hope, the two come together to share their views to allow their minds to connect with the world they live in without their disability.
Their ebullience is contagious. As the duo sits together to talk about their experiences, it’s heartening to see their efficaciousness. Despite their personal limatitions, their art doesn’t show a trace of the pain they’ve felt, the hurt they’ve faced and the dejection they’ve encountered. Each stroke reflects hope and nothing else. “It’s all about rekindling a spirit of positivity. That’s the greatest gift of life,” says Udaykumar, adding, “My artworks are a reflection of what I see on the TV. Since I am confined to the bed for the most part and can just move my thumb and index finger, my world is all about the visuals that I pick up from TV.” Udaykumar is greatly inspired by scientist Stephen Hawking, who has the same disease.
Narasimhalu, who was abandoned as a child, too hasn’t let pain and sufferings effect his life. There are days that are tough, and then there are days that make him happy. “I celebrate life in whichever way it has come to me. I have no repentance and I do not lament. This is evident in my works—whether they are cowboys full of energy, galloping on horsebacks or dolphins dancing with abandon—it is life which I celebrate,” he says. Unable to use his hands, he can only to paint and embroider with his feet.
Their art is a mirror to their souls—clean and pure. Their lives are testimony to their unassailable spirits—strong and brave. The new exhibition is an opportunity for you to view, think and absorb all that they put out. March 28, at Art Life Gallery, C-97, Sector 44 Noida, from 11 am to 6 pm.