Kind strokes

Colourful canvases of an eclectic set of artists created a wonderful mix of the abstract and the subtle,the forthright and the surreal,at the Art for Concern annual show of Indian art,at The O Hotel in Koregaon Park on Friday.

Affordable art was the highlight of the get together at the annual charity art show of Concern India Foundation

Colourful canvases of an eclectic set of artists created a wonderful mix of the abstract and the subtle,the forthright and the surreal,at the Art for Concern annual show of Indian art,at The O Hotel in Koregaon Park on Friday. There was a constant hushed murmur of discussion on the paintings and the artists’ vision. The bright lights put into spotlight frames showing the subtleties of the human form and its enigmatic postures,supine and crouched,as well as the unexplained,knot-filled workings of minds that refuse to look at and portray things as they are. There was a queer collection of hand-made matchboxes with some thought-provoking graphics printed on them. A mystery-filled little girl in a kimono stood coy,with an umbrella and a bunch of flowers for company. Priya Jaikishan,who looks after the art section of the Concern India Foundation,gushes,We have had similar exhibitions in Mumbai too,and have received an amazing response. The same goes for Pune too,just look at all the red dots!

The frames were being quickly scooped up by bejeweled hands after a quick dekko with their knowing eyes. Swish heels glided dreamily along the carpeted hall,sometimes stopping,transfixed at the inscrutable eyes peering out at them. “I am a self-taught artist. I observe art around me,and then translate my observations in my own language,” says the Mumbai-based Sanjay Yadav,whose simplicity pours through from his careful strokes. Concern India Foundation,which organised the exhibit,works actively with the underprivileged,in efforts to empower them through education,vocational training and donations. Art exhibitions are one medium to reach out to more donors. The idea works because it is a smart mix of art initiative as well as charity. Such exhibitions are a great opportunity for both the buyers as well as the artists. In a collection like this,famous painters like Akbar Padamsee are sharing space with an upcoming artist like Sanjay Yadav. The masters’ works can be picked up at such low prices only here. Its no surprise the art-lovers are lapping it up, says Jaikishan. Indeed,the wall signs encouraged buyers to club their famous purchases with the paintings of the other lesser-known artists. One realizes that there is hope for art as well as the disadvantaged,as dainty red dots start raiding the rooms almost unseen.

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