Young Aditya Shankar, an energetic and enthusiastic eight-year-old, guides the viewers through Durbar Hall Art gallery that is adorned with beautiful creations on canvas, papers, and sculptures. Pointing to a work of his friend, depicting numerous heads protruding out from a single head, the youngster explained the different faces and emotions existing in an individual’s mind. Works by children ranging from seven to 18 years surprises the art lovers for the sublime themes and the strength of strokes.
Acrylic and water colours spilled on canvas to the black and white pen drawings convey the true need for protecting the nature. The issues that affect the modern society have been well portrayed; from the need to save our planet earth, water, to impacts of pollution.
The exhibition organised by Chithralaya led by Chakrapani teaches children to be different. They believe that the conventional ways of copying the model will spoil the creative mindset of the children. Children are encouraged to observe nature and build up their own opinions.
“Electronic media has turned human beings into mere robots and multi-taskers and it stands out as one of the main themes of this exhibition,” says Aditya in a mature tone.
In one of the work, a young artist has portrayed a person’s journey from the comforts of a mother’s womb to the hazards of the real world.
“Chithralaya has been organizing this exhibition consecutively for six years with a huge support from Lalithakala Academy. 75 students who have put up their paintings were trained through four camps conducted by Chithralaya,” says Reshma, tutor, Chithralaya.
Moulded and baked in clay, the sculptures provide a different experience altogether. Mixed with fantasy and reality, the reddish brown casts throw light on a kid’s perspective. Lions, peacocks, frogs and other animals, dragons, human figures, pots, baskets, trees, accessories like chappals, are among the many etched sculpts.
The paintings and sculptures speak for themselves. Innocent minds capture every single detail of the complicated world around them. Human emotions like happiness, grief, sorrow, hope, anger and love come alive through the works. Women’s issues including the much relevant topic of women safety, the plight of women and their fear to step out to the chaotic outside world, have found a place in the works.
‘Human on wheels’ is another thought-provoking work that is on the evolution of man from caves to civilization, and their urge for modernity.
Interestingly, the issues addressed by these kids not only confine to the frames of the canvases. They took a step forward and sweated in the humid climate to plant saplings. “The kids were encouraged to plant saplings, a small initiative from our part to instill love for nature,” says Reshma.
The six day exhibition will be there till this Friday.