Art goes batty

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It’s strokeplay of a different sort as art gets into a sporty mood. Batting for Art — “Khelo Front Foot Pe”, a group exhibition and sale, celebrates art and cricket, with eminent artists moving away from the easel and taking up bats as their canvas.

The Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simons and team players Ashish Nehra, Naman Ojha and Andre Russell couldn’t stop admiring the artworks on specially-made larger-sized cricket bats. The artworks by 15 eminent artist were unveiled at ITC Maurya recently.
“Like anyone who can throw the ball, hit the ball or catch the ball can’t be called a cricketer, anyone who can hold the brush or even make a few strokes on a canvas cannot be called an artist. You need talent to be an artist and this talent is what we are here to admire,” said Eric before unveiling the art pieces.
The participating artists include Sanjay Bhattacharya, Thota Vaikuntam, Yusuf Arakkal, Farhad Husain, Binoy Varghese, Chintan Upadhayay, Satish Gupta, Seema Kohli, Kanchan Chander. An initiative by A4A, the show was hosted and curated by Puja Bahri and Archana Bhel Sapra from Arts for all. Even the cricketers, especially Ashish Nehra, couldn’t stop admiring the artworks, though Eric confessed not understanding art too well.
Artist Jayasri Burman, who painted a mythological scene on a bat, says that sports and art both are about spontaneity, feelings and excitement. “When I see cricket on TV, I see a lot many colours and feelings. Sport is alive, just like art. And therefore, it makes sense to me that the two should be brought together,” she says. Artist Paresh Maity says that art and sports are about relationships. “Be it family or friendship, both make the bonds stronger. Art and sport celebrate relationships,” he adds.
“Though we had very little time to prepare for the series, this is what Indian Premier League is all about. We are still very confident but we will watch out for other teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore which are the tough teams this season,” said Eric, adding that he enjoys his trips to the capital.
“I love India but Delhi is very close to my heart now. I know many people here now and feel a sense of belonging,” said Eric. The creations will be displayed at Feroz Shah Kotla, when the team plays its home games. The art pieces will be showcased at an exhibition-cum-celebration dinner organised by GMR Sports and the funds raised will be used for Arts For All Residency Programme.