Portraits of Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and Subramaniya Bharathi are some of the artworks that are now on sale at the Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai. The sale will also go online on Poompuhar’s website and mobile app.
But what is unique about this is the fact that these are artworks done by prisoners in the State.
The Tamil Nadu Prisons Department has tied up with Poompuhar to take such artwork and craft items to people across the world, opening up new possibilities for prisoners with talent.
The Prison Bazaar outlets which were launched by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in 2013 will continue to sell the paintings, bakery products, clothes and footwear made by prisoners.
“There is so much talent among prisoners. Poompuhar will give a permanent space for prisoners’ art items from now on. The money raised from this will be given to the Prisons Department, which will then forward the proceeds to the family of the prisoners,” an official said.
Tamil Nadu has about 20 prison bazaar outlets. Prisoners who show interest are trained in fine arts and crafts.
“This brings out the fine aspects of human beings and acts as a therapy, sometimes as a soothing factor for prisoners. Such initiatives will also increase their self-esteem,” says another official.
Poompuhar has also introduced a bike to deliver products bought at the showroom, or online, to the customers free of cost.
