The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) is back with its much-awaited annual art show. In its eighth year, “Colors of Life: Expressions of Life” is showcasing a gamut of art from folk to figurative to abstracts by more than 100 artists. Curator Piali Syam, Director Special Projects, CPAA, explains the purpose behind this exhibition. “This is CPAA's largest fundraiser. Proceeds go towards funding activities and projects round the year include funding education of children who approach us for treatment as well as providing all sorts of medical help for a cancer patient for medicines, tests etc. Naturally, the monetary requirement is substantial and an art show like this goes a long way in fulfilling this requirement.”
Piali further says that this also helps increase CPAA's network and create awareness about its work to a larger mass. “The show has been instrumental in forging a bond between us and the artists, connoisseurs and media, which in turn has helped us reach a large sea of people. So many people have come forward to help after understanding the scope of our activities. In a bid to allow more and more people to get quality art even as they support a noble cause, we have exhibited a wide range of works from Souza to Padamsee to contemporary works.”
Several artists have been associated with this show. Mix-media artist Ananya Banerjee says, “This is my fourth year in CPAA's art show. It is a stupendous effort to bring so many artists under one roof. The proceeds go into supplying cancer drugs, which are beyond ordinary people's reach. I have sent my driver's and maid's relatives, and people from Orissa to CPAA for cancer medication; they got a big helping hand. On a personal note, I am donating 50 per cent of the sale proceeds for the cause.”
Watercolour artist Samir Mondal, who has been part of this show since its inception, says, “Over the years I have received a lot from society; it's time for me to give back something in my own capacity.” Despite the recent economic downturn, the CPAA hopes that this year's show garners a fabulous response to help them realise their long-standing dream of building a dharamshala. CPAA's Founder Chairman and CEO Y.K. Sapru says, “We are extremely grateful to the artists who come forward every year to support our cause and look forward to continuous support from the artists' fraternity.”
Bottomline: It's art for a cause
CPAA's Colors of Life: Expressions of Life
When: June 11- 23
Where: The Viewing Room, Elysium Mansion, 4th Floor, Walton Road, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai.
