Hyderabad is definitely welcoming art and artists with open arms. Testimony to this is the growing number of art galleries and art exhibitions in the city. While the group of artists consists of established ones and upcoming ones, there is one exhibition opening today, which will showcase art works of a four-yearold Verna Chand.
Daughter of artist Lavanya Dutt, Verna took to painting like a fish takes to water! Recalls her mum, “Since I am an artist myself, I used to hold Verna and paint sometimes. The colours always attracted her and she would love to play with them. And as she got older, I started taking her to the gallery where I work as a resident artist.
” At the gallery, Verna would not only paint, she would also make it a point to show it to the other artists and spectators.
Looking at her enthusiasm and interest, Lavanya decided to display Verna’s art works at an exhibition. But, why an art exhibition for a fouryear- old? Lavanya replies, “I had my first group show at around the same age.
”She further says this exhibition is an act of encouragement to her daughter and other kids who are interested in art.
Verna’s mum confesses that even though Verna’s paintings are pretty much like that of any other four-yearold, there is definitely something different as well. “As a parent, one does get a little biased.
But as an artist, I know that Verna’s art work is different,” adds Lavanya. Using bold colours and different themes, Verna’s 60 paintings are a mix of her imagination, her family members and more.
Apart from that, the child doesn’t forget to sign soon after each of her paintings are done! Not just that, the four-year-old knows exactly what an art exhibition is, and is very excited that her art work is going to be on display. However, Verna’s parents are clear that this exhibition is only a way to encourage he and she can always do whatever she wants. “Verna likes to paint right now.
In future, if she wants to pursue something else, that will be her choice. There is no compulsion for her to stick to art,” clarifies Lavanya. Titled Tatha, Me and Other Works, the exhibition will be on from today till October 31 at Daira Centre for Arts and Culture.