SHILLONG: The art exhibition cum sale entitled “Expressions”, being held in the Art and Cultural Hall at State Central Library, certainly lives up to its name.
The exhibition is a joint initiative of SAN-KER and Taal Academy and the first day of the art show was held on Friday. The second and final day of the event will be on Sunday from 10:30am to 6:30pm.
“Expressions” showcases art from members of the differently-abled community. The need for such an event stems from society’s continued stigmatization of the mentally ill and people with disabilities, Dr Sandi Syiem of SAN-KER said on Friday.
“This show will demonstrate to the public that the differently-abled can express themselves in meaningful ways,” Dr Syiem said.
Art can be very therapeutic, Dr Syiem added, especially for those who are not able to express themselves very well verbally. “It helps them express what lies hidden in their minds,” he explained.
He gave the example of Vincent van Gogh, believed to have had frequent episodes of mental illness, whose “genius came out through his art”.
The exhibition includes drawings and paintings from still life and contemporary art to the abstract. The artists range from those with a hearing disability to a teenager who has used his foot to draw.
Apart from these pieces of art, there are also two stalls run by Dwar Jingkyrmen and Mary Rice Centre for Special Education selling various items of handicraft, proceeds of which go to the two organizations.
Giving the differently-abled a chance to demonstrate the talent they possess is one of the key aims of the project, said Vicky Vadhera of Taal Academy.
Taal Academy, based in Nongrim Hills, imparts training in dance, music and the fine arts.
“One of the reasons behind the exhibition is to let people know the talent the differently-abled possess because the general public hardly knows about it,” Vadhera said.
“It also gives the artists satisfaction that they’re earning through their talent and hard work,” he added.
Sunday’s programme also includes a talk by artist Jaya Karla at 12 noon besides giving those who could not attend on Friday a chance to appreciate, and even purchase, fine works of art.
