Art exhibition offers opportunity for underprivileged

"In our times there were just two galleries, but today there are so many galleries. I had to wait till 1974 to get my paintings showcased, but today there is so much exposure for even amateur artists," said Arpana Caur who inaugurated the exhibition "Kalpitatva-fragment of imagination" here recently in the presence of state Health Minister Kiran Walia.

The best paintings chosen by the jury were showcased at the art exhibition organized by Monochrome studios and co-sponsored by Smile Foundation, an NGO that works for underprivileged children across twenty five states in India.

Fifteen year old Prashant Kumar whose painting was selected for the art exhibition also got a chance to redraw a painting done by Arpana Caur.

"When I was twelve years old I started developing an interest for painting. It was through the support and care taken by Smile foundation that I have reached where I am today," said Kumar.

Another participant at the event had previously sketched a portrait of former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

"Till the time we don't give opportunity to upcoming raw talent of our country we cannot make our nation culturally strong," says Shashank Sharma, co-founder, Monochrome studios.