Their brush with nature

Yadav,a native of Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh and chief conservator of forests,said,“The idea was to bring alive the beauty of the forests. They also carry a subtle message and we hope that this inspires even a few to take interest in nature and wildlife. We need more people to do their bit for the environment. The message is simple: time is running out for Mother Earth and we need to act to save our precious planet.”

Featuring 45 paintings by the couple in acrylic,mixed media and digital art,the exhibition earned rave reviews from all quarters. The use of bright colours,the almost life-like representation of subjects — be it a flock of wild ducks or a dancing peacock — and the attention to details made the exhibition a visual delight. However,awareness was the buzzword in all 45 colourful frames.

Artist Sanatan Dinda said,“Even if we save one plant,it will make a huge difference. These paintings are a very commendable effort.”

Bengal education minister Bratya Basu,who inaugurated the exhibition,said,“In Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s Aranyak,a character,Jugalprasad,used to plant a lot of saplings. The Yadav couple reminds me of him. These steps towards sustaining the environment are required today.”

Alka,whose rendezvous with colours and canvas began casually,recalled how in the beginning it was about personal satisfaction. “Later,when my children and people around me encouraged me,I decided to exhibit my works. His (V K’s) snaps inspired me to replicate beautiful specimens of nature through paintings,” said Alka.