Creativity for a cause

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A group of 40 artists have used their creative prowess to speak up for a very relevant social cause — child labour and Right to Education. And that, using an apt symbol, a humble kettle, which is often used to pour tea by children working at the roadside dhabas and stalls.

For the show, Arte Kettle Garden, organised by Kalacare at Delhi’s India International Centre, the artists have used these kettles as canvas to paint their stories of despair, dreams, hopes and aspirations for these kids. The 53 pieces on display also included paintings, sculptures and multi-media works. Delhi-based artist Jo Singh Saran’s work has teenage girls sitting hopelessly at a red light as their world seems to be at a standstill. “That’s the story of thousands of children who are toiling as labour when they should be going to schools,” says Saran, who has been taking up various issues through her art. Artist Hetal Shah feels that in spite of this issue being talked about, it remains the dark truth. Red and black colours dominate Hetal’s work with two human hands in the foreground. “These are the hands of a child worker. One hand is clean, white and the other hand is black with all the hardwork that he has done. And both hands together pose in a ‘stop’ gesture. It’s the cry of innocence to put an end to this vicious cycle,” says the artist from Gujarat, who adds that artists should also take it as their responsibility to come out and get actively involved in the cause. Shweta Zharotia, founder Kala Care, an initiative that organises art exhibitions on socially-relevant issues, says that art is an important medium that transcends language barrier. Talking about the theme of the show, she said, “Kids serving tea at stalls is a common sight across the country. And in today’s busy life, we don’t have time to think about their background, or future. This show is about shifting the spotlight on these little champions, who, if given a proper platform can become heroes of tomorrow,” she says. The exhibition was inaugurated by filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, who has made films like I am Kalam and Jalpari on the same theme said that creative artists have a role to play when speaking of the social issues. “Artist community using their creativity for a cause is a positive sign,” he said.