For the Record

His protagonists are Sikhs,whose portraits have been sketched on his charcoal on paper. Reflecting a sense of immediacy,the life-size mixed media work,with masking tape,projects the vulnerability of these people,the challenges faced and the obstacles that they need to overcome.

It was a chance meeting with taxi driver Lakhvir Singh,a student from India,that deepened Connell’s interest in visually expressing the expanding community in Australian society,which Connell,40,says,is of tremendous value. Says he,“I met several Punjabi Sikh students,working part-time as taxi drivers,and was impressed by their strength of character,respect for culture,and the dignity and faith with which they keep their religious diversity alive. The factors led to the project.”

A regular visitor to India,Connell is also bowled over by Indian hospitality and graciousness. Back in his hometown,Adelaide,his artwork is being appreciated and the drawings are being perceived as a celebration of local history and cross-culture friendship. The project has won a prize from the University of South Australia and a short film on it is being made by the Australia Network Television Arts Program. It will be screened next year in 44 countries across Asia,including India. “This is my way of giving back to a country which will win all goals in the Human Olympics and has given me so much personally. In fact,I am also learning Hindi,so that I can continue working between India and Australia,” smiles Connell.

The exhibition is on at Punjab Kala Bhavan,Sector 16,Chandigarh,till January 17