The Hindu : New Delhi News : Overcoming hurdles to express inner self

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Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010
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New Delhi

Overcoming hurdles to express inner self

Neha Alawadhi

Different strokes: A painting by Neha Bhagat on display during a painting exhibition of differently-abled artists “Beyond Limits-2010” in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI: “Lead by example,” said Major-General (Retd.) Ian Cardozo, as he motivated differently-able persons at the inauguration of “Beyond Limits-2010”, a national-level exhibition of artworks made by artists with disabilities, here on Sunday.

And leading by example is what these artists have done. Now in its tenth year, the annual exhibition organised by non-government organisation Family of Disabled (FOD)and hosted by Academy of Fine Arts and Literature showcases works by disabled artists from all over the country. “Here we have people across disabilities trying something new. These paintings reflect their thinking,” said FOD member Sanjeev Sachdeva about the artworks on display.

Most of the 80 artworks of the 32 artists are notable because they draw from their own personal interpretations. Arveend Budh Singh's acrylic on canvas titled “Black Gold” is based on the theme “black is beautiful”. The self-taught Delhi-based artist, who was struck with polio in the left limb, has been painting for the last ten years and also dabbles in miniature art.

Amputated above elbow in both limbs, 41-year-old Sheela Sharma has been painting for the past 20 years. She paints with a brush held between the toes of her left foot. “I usually paint women and nature, and use a lot of blue,” said the graduate in Fine Arts from Lucknow University.

Jagdish Kumar Lohar's “Verdant Celebration” is inspired by the folk art tradition in his native state Rajasthan. Lohar has polio in the right limb but his disability has never been a deterrent. He has a Diploma in Electronic Engineering, teaches in a school and also designs “miniature gadgets. I designed the smallest [working] electric drilling machine and the smallest torch,” he said.

Renowned writer Ajeet Caur, who is closely associated with AFAL, said the hosting the exhibition for all these years has deepened her sense of the missing “compassion and brotherhood” in today's fast-paced world. Providing space for these artworks was a small step, she said, to boost these artists' confidence.

General Manager of Indian Oil Corporation Amresh Kapoor, who was the guest of honour, appreciated FOD for “providing a platform for our not so privileged brothers and sisters”. The master of ceremonies for the evening, Mr. Sachdeva, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, said the exhibition over the years has been a great platform for disabled artists to establish their credibility and overcome their apprehensions about being part of the mainstream.

Chief guest Maj-Gen. Cardozo, who lost a leg in combat said “destiny is a matter of choice” and it appreciated the “terrific paintings” by the artists who had chosen to move forward and lead more meaningful lives.

Though most of the artists were happy about being part of the exhibition, they lamented the lack of other similar platforms to showcase their talent.

The exhibition will remain on view till Sunday at AFAL, Siri Fort Institutional Area.

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