The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Artwork, murals for Cancer Institute

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Thursday, Jul 02, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Artwork, murals for Cancer Institute

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

HELPING HAND: Gordon Robinson, managing director of Timken India, assists a child with a painting at the Adyar Cancer Institute on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: ‘Art as a metaphor for healing’ was the theme of an event organised at the Adyar Cancer Institute here on Wednesday. Timken India in association with the Foundation for Hospital Art donated artwork and murals to a new paediatric ward at the Cancer Institute.

The ward, which will start functioning soon, is packed with wall paintings and innovative design elements to improve the hospital ambience for children. At the entrance, a two-storey-high mural by art director Thotta Tharani gives a taste of what will follow. A koala masks the entrance to the Critical Care Unit.

The artwork is the product of a collective effort by various city-based artists and volunteers. “Ours is a small contribution. We hope it makes a difference to these children,” said Gordon Robinson, managing director of Timken India.

Art was used as a goodwill ambassador at the event. All the paintings donated by Timken were painted by its employees who work at the main plant in Canton, U.S.

Mr. Robinson said, “There are two parts to healing. One part comprises the doctors and the medical facilities. The other part of healing is about feelings. It’s about giving patients hope and making them feel that they are cared for.”

After the unveiling of the donated artwork, a platform was provided to young children to reveal their artistic expression. Around 30 children from the Institute participated and exhibited their painting skills.

“I don’t want to colour. My favourite colour is white,” said Rajalakshmi, a 13-year-old girl with leukaemia. “This place doesn’t look like a hospital. It feels like home,” she said.

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