Want to Inspire Your Children to Draw? Visit This Art Exhibition by Visamo Kids

24 children under the age of 16 years from Visamo Kids, a Foundation for the underprivileged, exhibit their art at ‘Ojas’ group exhibition. Artist Kaushik Patel mentored them in creating 96 artworks on different themes. Check out what is happening at the Gufa Art Gallery until April 29.

In the serene post-sunset hours of April 26, while college students sat with lattés and ice at the Zen Cafe bordering the Amdavad Ni Gufa, relaxing in the place’s ambient music, 24 children from Visamo Kids Foundation were aflutter in goosebumps and jitters. After all, it was their first group exhibition, organised at the Herwitz Art Gallery, right next to the master Hussain’s work at the Gufa. ‘Ojas – 13th Child Art Exhibition 2018’  was awaiting its moment of inauguration.

The 24 young artists were accompanied by their friends, families and well-wishers. Eminent personalities of the city also graced the occasion, including the Director of NID Pradyumna Vyas, artist and recitalist Kanu Patel, writer Yashvant Mehta and social worker Dinesh Gupta, all of whom congratulated the young creative souls on their D-Day.

Ojas is the 13th exhibition of children’s art organised by Krishna Kala Kalam art institute. Its institute’s founder, Kaushik Patel, has been teaching at the Visamo Kids Foundation since the past 15 years now. Patel, who completed his journalism as well as LLB, now works as a practising artist. He has mentored hundreds of children over a span of 25 years in his art career. “I have been associated with Visamo Kids Foundation since 2003. The foundation adopts talented children from the underprivileged sections of society and helps them grow in the urban culture,” he shared. “While Krishna Kala Kalam is a private firm that teaches art to children, with Visamo, we focus on nourishing the art and talent in the children without scrutinising the commerce aspect.” The exhibition has been organised to boost the morale of these exceptional children who are making an extra brave effort, every day, to compete with the odds of city life.

All the children are below 16 years of age and, amongst the 96 artworks on display, a few possess sophisticated artistic value too. Patel shared, “The children’s works are extremely eye-catching. All are original inspirations having tremendous perspective.” 12-year-old Nikhi Shekhaliya’s portrayal of farmers and folk landscapes has a great monochromatic perspective, and 9-year-old Kavita Vaghela’s paintings of the human figure seem to reflect elements of cubism.

10th grader Urmila Makwana expressed, “I love drawing cartoons and for this exhibition, Patel sir helped me to experiment with my subject according to my choice.” 14-year-old Preshita Parmar, meanwhile, worked on the theme of Bamboos, sharing, “Now I am so obsessed with bamboos that if I see one while walking, I see it as an art element rather than a plant.” The children seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves while giving a personal guided tour to the onlookers.

Children of Ahmedabad should visit this show to borrow some inspiration from these kids over their summer vacation! Perhaps they will find themselves drawn to try their hand at painting a few peacocks, monkeys, and giraffes. Drop by the exhibition Ojas from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM until April 29 at Herwitz Art Gallery.