The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Art as part of healing process

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 23, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Art as part of healing process

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Aesthetic hospice: Actor Naseeruddin Shah at Swasti, the contemporary art gallery, in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Seeking to change the age-old tradition of displaying artworks in exclusive galleries, the HCG Foundation has opened Swasti – The Creative Care Unit, at HCG Foundation Hospital here.

Inaugurating Swasti on Saturday, eminent actor Naseeruddin Shah attempted to compare actors and other creative artists. Actors, Mr. Shah said, too, convey a message; but they are overpaid and over-privileged. “I have seen enough actors who have fallen into this trap and ended miserably… I have great admiration for those who can crystallise their thoughts — writers and artists. They do a lot more than actors (to society),” he said.

Mr. Shah further said actors do hold a sway on the audience, “but I have no intention of entering politics”. He considered it important to stay within one’s boundary and contribute to society.

Eminent Kannada actor Tara was present on the occasion. HCG Foundation, headed by B.S. Ajay Kumar, has its hospital on Kalinga Rao Road, next to Hotel Geo. Swasti was conceptualised by Bhagya Ajay Kumar, who realised that spaces such as galleries exclude certain sections of people who are not exposed to art.

The programmes and exhibitions to be organised by HCG-Swasti seek to make the sterile hospital atmosphere livelier and warmer.

The gallery aims at creating greater public awareness and appreciation, along with a widespread recognition of the role that art can play. Upcoming artists will be given a chance to display their talents here. At present, Swasti has brought together works of 11 artists — Ambica Nair, K.S. Chetan, Chaitra Puthran, Jagadish Kadur, Ragh Puttur, Ravinandan H.G., Shashwathi N.C., Sushma Rao, Usha, Mithila R. Baindur and Jerome Francis.

Dr. Ajay Kumar and Bhagya Ajay Kumar were also present.

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