Creativity for a cause: How artists contribute to providing education for the needy

Launched in 2014, PhotoSparksis a weekly feature from YourStory,with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 920 posts, we featured an art festival,cartoon gallery,world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair,climate change expo,wildlife conference,startup festival,Diwali rangoli,and jazz festival.

The Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) recently held its annual Kala for Vidya fundraising exhibition at Bangalore International Centre. See our coverage of earlier art exhibitions at this popular cultural hub here.

The funds for the Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya in Nagdevanahalli are intended to support the education of around 450 underserved children. The BIC exhibition featured over 200 paintings and 20 sculptures from 155 artists (see Part I of our coverage here, and photo essays on the 2024 and 2022 fundraising editions).

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The artist lineup, some of whose works are featured in this photo essay series, includes SG Vasudev, Ramesh Jhawar, Asit Pattnaik, Sujata Achrekar, MG Doddamani, HR Das, Uttam Bhattacharya, and Sudhir Meher.

“Participating in a charity art show was one of the most meaningful experiences of my artistic journey. It gave the chance to showcase my creativity for a noble purpose to support a cause and connect with people through my art,” Bengaluru-based artist Banani Kundu tells YourStory.

The exhibition showed how art can serve as a fundraiser to support education for the underprivileged. “Overall, the experience reminded me that art has the power to build community and compassion. It was not just about showcasing my work, it was about being part of something that truly made a difference,” she adds.

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Kundu also shared insights on her creative process. “I have a distinctive signature style characterised by textured artworks that bring depth and dimension to each piece,” she describes (see our earlier photo essay on her solo exhibition here).

“My colour palette also adapts to the theme, adding an extra layer of meaning to the artworks. Often, inspiration strikes when I am observing the world around me, and I find myself drawn to the intricate details to make each subject special,” she says.

She showcased two paintings of rickshaw pullers from Kolkata. “One piece captures the struggle of survival, and highlights the daily grind of these hardworking individuals,” Kundu explains.

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The second painting depicts three tanga rickshaws at rest. “It symbolises the decline of the traditional hand-pulled rickshaw. People are opting for more modern modes of transportation,” she observes.

Bengaluru-based artist Sudhir Meher, originally from Odisha, showcased two paintings created in his signature style. “Using acrylic colours on canvas, I have developed a unique aesthetic over time. My art combines natural elements like trees, birds, flowers, and animals, intricately woven into Lord Hanuman's form as tattoos,” he describes.

Each handcrafted motif blends seamlessly with the narrative. “It creates a visually striking experience that is both novel and captivating,” the award-winning artist adds.

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His paintings are priced between Rs 20,000 and Rs 2 lakh, depending on size, medium, and detail. “I strive to make my art accessible to a wide range of collectors, believing that art should be a cherished addition to one's home,” Meher says.

“Each piece reflects my passion, time, and emotions. I hope it finds a place in the viewers’ hearts as much as it does in their space,” he suggests.

In today's uncertain world, Meher sees an important role for art. “Art serves as a bridge connecting hearts, inspiring hope, and reminding us of our shared humanity. It communicates emotions that words often can't express,” he says.

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Art is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. “It transcends boundaries and fosters connection. It questions, it unites and it gives voice to what is often left unsaid through its colours, forms and imagination,” he adds.

“Art encourages empathy and understanding across cultural values and generations. It reminds us to feel, and to dream of peace,” Meher signs off.

Now, what have youdone today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?

(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Bangalore International Centre.)

Edited by Suman Singh

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