: Diverse imagination converged on a canvas to produce abstract work of art. The hall of TASMAI Centre for Art and Culture was filled with the creativity of special children at a recent art therapy workshop.
Each painting was distinctive, bringing to life a world of colour conceptualised by special children.
French artist Matthieu Charbonneau guided the children of Satya Special School over a period of one month to exhibit an oeuvre of their works.
At least 10 children painted on the same canvas to bring out a collective art work.
Mr. Charbonneau is a self-taught artist, who travels around the world conducting art therapy workshops. He has travelled to Africa, Israel, Latin America and many other countries working with children with special needs.
He worked along with Satya Special School and French NGO Enfant des rues de Pondicherry to organise this art exhibition at TASMAI Centre for Art and Culture.
Nearly 19 paintings of 50 special children were exhibited at the centre. “Each one of us contributed to a small portion of a canvas. We are very happy to see our paintings exhibited,” said 15-year-old Ajay, a student of Satya Special School.
Mr. Charbonneau collaborated with music therapist K.Ramji to blend music with colours. After the children were taught to identify colours with their feelings, they were allowed to paint with music played on the background.
The artist conducted two-month-long workshop.
Kirti Chandak, Director, TASMAI, said that she was happy to help this cause.
Chitra Shah, Director, Satya Special School, stated that art was an inclusive activity which brings together everyone including the special children together to create. “We are planning to take art to the doorsteps especially in the villages,” she said. And, after the two-day event concluded, the children returned not just with joy in their hearts but a bagful of memories to cherish.
