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Playing with colours

The effort of the children of Christel House produced refreshing results

EARLY START The works reflected enthusiasm and positive assurance

Naozar Daruwalla and T.M. Aziz sure have discovered the joy of working with children. "Our collaboration with the children of Christel House has been unique," they say. "The project was born out of our desire to work with fellow artists and produce an imagery that is totally fresh in its outlook and reflective of our contemporary existence. This exercise stretched over four years and included 20 children, in the age group of six to nine years, and the two of us. During the period, we as professional artists learnt to think and paint like children. Our own paintings now reflect the lessons that the children have taught us. They in turn were influenced by what we considered important in art."

A large body of works, resulting from the project, was recently showcased by Christel House India, an organisation which helps underprivileged children. The works on display reflected both creative enthusiasm and positive assurance. While integrating fine elements of child art, many of the paintings were able to blend curiosity and playfulness to celebrate form and colour. With a sparkling spirit of freedom, the children could be seen infusing their visual descriptions with innocence and meaningful gestures.

In some instances, though, one felt that the works were slightly "over-tutored" in terms of colour and content. Probably, for this reason, the drawings and sketches — rendered with simple, economical, but confident strokes — made a better impression. One also felt that the children could have been motivated to more forcefully incorporate a local spirit and humour in their works.

All the same, one could not fail to applaud the commitment of the artists and the organisers in putting up an enthusiastic display. That these works are by children who come from disadvantaged circumstances added a poignant touch to the whole exercise.

ATHREYA

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