The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Splashes of Picassos in making

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Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Splashes of Picassos in making

Staff Reporter

Paintings of Children selected from Young World painting contest on display

— Photo: V.Ganesan

In Appreciation: Joint Editor of The Hindu Nirmala Lakshman, Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, DGP (Prisons) R. Natraj and Managing Director of Vivek Ltd B.A.Kodandarama Setty at the ‘Young Picassos-Art with a heart’ exhibition at Apparao Galleries on Monday.

CHENNAI: Vibrantly coloured paintings done by nimble hands artistically rallied for a social cause at the Apparao Galleries.

‘Young Picassos–Art with a heart,’ an exhibition of paintings selected from the entries to The Hindu Young World painting competition 2008, that began on Monday, had an aesthetic display of the best pictures in junior and senior categories.

Mounted on deep-brown synthetic frames, the paintings beckoned attention for their creative richness. Orange and green colours were predominantly splashed all over the canvases through deft strokes by the children. Each prize-winning painting was unique in its own way.

The topic ‘Cultivation,’ for example attracted a wide range of ideas – from agriculture farming in a rustic backdrop to the simple gesture of a kid tending her plants.

For many it might be their maiden stroke but the first-time paint wielders got the opportunity to get their works displayed before the public and contribute for a social cause through their creativity. Nearly 400 paintings, including 26 winning entries, were displayed at the exhibition, which will come to a close on February 22.

Going through the paintings, Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam said that they exuded professionalism. “They are fine works. One could see a lot of budding creators through these impressive paintings.”

Agreeing with her, the Chairman and Managing Director of Vivek Limited B.A. Kodandarama Setty felt the more children must be made aware of the opportunities. “The paintings could be displayed at different locations in the city and the children studying in corporation and government schools could be invited. This will trigger their art interest and go a long way in building confidence for the aspiring artists in them,” said R. Natraj, Director General of Prisons.

The paintings are for sale and the proceeds will go to organisations working for social causes. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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