Proving that art knows no boundaries and is not just the preserve of a chosen few, children from impoverished background and hailing from Hyderguda village in Ranga Reddy district have bagged a slew of awards from art-based organisations from across the world. The children, recognised for their latent talent, were trained at Sanskriti Rural Art Centre, Hyderguda.
“After my father’s death last year, due to financial pressures, I thought of quitting painting. But, today, I got a merit certificate from a Japanese art gallery and a scholarship of Rs. 2,000. I am glad I chose to pursue art in life,” says 16-year-old A. Sandeep, a first year BFA student at S.V. College of Fine Arts, Madhapur.
Close to 15 such talented children received meritorious certificates in the International Children’s Art Exhibition, which was inaugurated at ICCR Art Gallery, Ravindra Bharathi by Chairman, Telugu Official Language Commission, Mandali Budha Prasad on Wednesday.
Apart from showcasing art works of local talent, the exhibition, organised by Young Envoys International (YEI), also features works of children from a host of countries who had participated in the recently held first International Children’s Art Exhibition in Hong Kong.
“Such exhibitions are aimed at motivating children from poor background. There is a need to inculcate art among such children and we have been doing this for over a decade now,” says president, YEI, Dr. B.A. Reddy, also founder of Sanskriti.
The art works of the children were sent to competitions organised by art galleries and organisations in Nairobi, Istanbul in Turkey, Japan and Czech Republic. “After Intermediate, we are planning to pursue fine arts. Our paintings in linocut medium are part of this exhibition and we are proud of our achievement,” said Soni and Neha, who received merit certificates from art galleries in Czech Republic.
“We keep sending their works to various art galleries. Many have appreciated their work and have sent medals and certificates to our children. Parents of these children are employed as carpenters, daily wagers, potters and sweepers. Many are orphans but still they come and learn art,” says B. Padma Reddy of Sanskriti Rural Art Centre.
Contact Sanskriti Rural Art Centre on phone No. 23514409.
