Though they are serving life term for crimes like murder, it was an occasion for them to reveal their inner artist. Forty-two paintings brushed by 19 convicts from Jaipur Central Jail are on display at an exhibition at Jaipur’s Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK). One such painting got an immediate buyer.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said it was part of the government initiative to reform the inmates.
Most of the artists are prisoners serving life terms. They have brushed several inspiring paintings, including the artistic Pichwai, Banni Thanni and the scenic beauty of nature. They have also made pictures of religious places. “One can see the depth of such artists. One of them made his paintings in the night. He brushed the full moon and connected it with hope and romance,” said Sarvar Khan, deputy I-G of jails. The exhibition was a joint effort of the jail department and NGO Dharam Sajjan Trust. According to jail officials, a lifer, Man Bahadur Thapa, proved to be one of the best artists. “He dedicated his energy to the paintings. He brushed Bharat Mata, Subhash Chandra Bose and Maharana Pratap,” says a jail officer.