Top artists from the city participated in event being held by the Cancer Patients Aid Association to raise funds for their cause
The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), that works for the welfare of people suffering from cancer, has organised Colours of Life, its ninth annual art exhibition to raise funds for the organisation.
A painting by Bina Aziz
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Over 100 artists have donated their work for the exhibition. The artwork on display and for sale encompasses a wide range in terms of medium, style and price. Almost every region of the country will be represented by artwork unique to it. Some of the more well-known names participating in this exhibition include Lalitha Lajmi. Prafulla Dahanukar, Akbar Padamsee, Brinda Chudasama Miller, Samir Mondal and Yusuf Arakkal.
A painting by Buwa Shete
Many of the contributing artists have been a part of this annual initiative for several years. CPAA’s Founder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Y K Sapru said in a statement that the money the exhibition raises every year through the sales proceeds are used to help and support cancer patients. The exhibition’s curator Piali Syam, who is also Director Special Projects, CPAA, stated that working on putting together the art collection was an enjoyable task. In an interview, Syam revealed more details about the exhibition.
How many paintings are there in total?
This year, Colours of Life has 104 artists participating with a total of 140 works.
How was this put together? Did the CPAA approach these artists and tell them to donate a work?
As the curator of this show, I contact all the artists personally and request them to give us a work and support the cause.
Why did you choose these particular artists?
This show is one of the largest fundraising shows for CPAA. So I have to keep in mind what art enthusiasts are looking for and which are the new artists whose works have made news. The range has to include senior Indian masters, contemporary artists as well as some up-and-coming artists with good work as their works are still affordable. Also I have to select works across various media to create a good variety. Keeping all this in mind I select works from artists all over India across various price ranges, dynamic subjects and different media to attract a cross section of art buyers. There are art collectors who collect renowned names and then there are also first time buyers or young collectors who prefer affordable art. Our collection has art for both kinds of buyers.
‘Myth and Reality’ by Suhas Bahulkar
Roughly, what are the prices of these paintings?
The prices this year range from around Rs20,000 to over Rs 15,00,000.
How does the process work? When a person buys a painting, does the entire amount go to the artist, or to the CPAA or does a part of it go to the artist and the rest to the CPAA? What is the break up like?
Every artist decides how much percentage of the selling proceeds they will contribute towards the cause.
'Man on Horse, Child like Cow' by Sakti Burman
Are these some of the best works of the artist?
Since the artists want to support the cause wholeheartedly, they give good works which they feel will sell easily and help raise funds for underprivileged cancer patients.
Would art lovers/ aficionados buy because the work is good or because of the charitable cause?
I feel it’s a bit of both. Art buyers or lovers eagerly wait for this show as they know they will be able to support this noble cause and at the same time, they can buy a work of their choice and add to their collection.
'My Comfort Zone' by Nayanaa Kanodia
With Indian art becoming such a big draw on the international scene too, we hear of international auction houses selling Indian artists’ works for good sums. Is it time for the industry to put their philanthropy where their paintbrush is and contribute in this way to charitable causes?
I think the artists are a very empathetic lot. The fraternity is always very conscious of its responsibility to give back to society and support every genuine cause and organisation who they know are doing good work. I also need to mention that the society should complement the artists’ efforts by engaging corporates and individuals to support such causes. Every industry has to put its philanthropic side together and contribute in a country like ours where there is no social security.
A painting by Dhrubajyoti Baral
Where: The Viewing Room, Elysium Mansion, 4th Floor, Colaba Causeway, above Bata showroom, Walton Road, Mumbai (Sunday closed)
When: June 10 to 22, 2013, from 11am to 7pm
A painting by Bose Krishnamachari
Voices
Lalitha Lajmi
Artist
I have been supporting CPAA for sometime now. It is a way of giving back to society
with our work and I feel strongly about it. I have been associated with the CPAA right from the beginning of the exhibition.
Nimisha Sharma
Artist
Around 12 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Doctors said she had only two months to live. I started her treatment and remained very positive. She lived for another seven years. I feel happy to contribute towards the cause. My husband Charan and I eagerly wait for the show every June.
Bina Aziz
Artist
I believe in CPAA and will always support them. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that through our art, we can help so many people out there who need the funds during such a difficult period of time in their lives.
Buwa Shete
Artist
I lost a close friend to cancer. He did not tell family and friends about his disease as he knew they did not have sufficient money for his treatment. I feel that by participating in this show, I am able to contribute towards helping other needy patients with their treatment.
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