Convicts' paintings on display at exhibition

Bhopal, Sep 29 (UNI) Proving beyond doubt that creativity cannot be subdued even by incarceration, 45 paintings by eight convicts of the Bhopal Central Jail are on display at the multi-art centre Bharat Bhavan in this City of Lakes.

Ranging from everyday matters to the religious and philosophical realms, the creations are by Santosh Lodhi (24), Bharat (26), Vishnu Rajak (26), Rajesh Batham (31), Lakshman Raikwar (35), Amar (35) and Suresh Adivasi Thakur (41) -- all of them serving life terms -- and Rajmal Mehra (36) who is serving a 10-year sentence under the NDPS Act.

''While painting 'Puja' (three women absorbed in prayer), I was inspired by the culture of Tulsi worship while in 'Atript' (woman bearing a pitcher next to a well) I wanted to show that a person is dissatisfied despite having everything,'' Batham, who was among the convicts present at the inauguration of 'Salakhon Mein Srijan' last evening, told UNI.

His 'Drishya' depicts the strong sun after spring departs, while 'Ras' shows gopikas enamoured by the mischievous cowherd god of Vrajbhumi, 'Skha' has Krishna seeking gopikas hiding in tall grass and in 'Leela' Madhusudan has stolen the clothes of bathing gopikas.

''I feel very good about this exhibition. Prison Superintendent Gopal Tamrakar has even arranged for us to learn making canvases. I belong to Bhopal, my family knows that the exhibition is taking place and they will come,'' says Batham.

The event was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Jails Minister Antar Singh Arya while Minister of State for Culture Lakshmikant Sharma was Chief Guest.

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