TN: 'Mugam Izhandhomae' paintings on Dalit sufferings

Tiruchirapalli, Oct 20: A large gathering of visitors turned up at 'Mugam Izhandhomae,' an exhibition of paintings by K Kavimani a final year Masters' student in Fine Arts, which exposed the sufferings of Dalits.

The painter's reflection on the oppression of Dalits and denial of basic human rights to them, especially to cobblers and scavengers, was brought out artistically through acrylic, water colour and pencils, in the exhibition here on Sunday, Oct 19.

His works did not give room to subtlety with most paintings exposing the concerns, aspirations and agony of the people through loud colours and sharply defined characters.

Another set of paintings on the agony of Dalit women was more dramatic and powerful.

Manual scavengers, mostly women, face early death due to diseases and unhygienic conditions. There were unsettling images of gender discrimination, sexual harassment and educational aspirations of women.

''There have not been much done to improve the lives of these people. They have remained to be most neglected among Dalits,'' Mr Kavimani said.

''They have lost their identity and become faceless. I wanted to voice their concerns through my paintings,'' he said.

He would be displaying 35 paintings at all districts in Tamil Nadu and finally at Chennai in December where he would also submit a petition to the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi seeking special reservation for Arundhathiyars.

UNI