People round the world have
grown environment conscious. In fact, there’s no other way we can go, if we
have to protect ourselves from destruction. What better route can we take?
Ajmer Sandhu does show us that through his organization -
‘TellusArt’. TellusArt is a NGO,
based in Sweden. “Our organization comprises of art enthusiasts from around the
world. We believe that the power of Art can be effectively harnessed into
creating awareness about pressing issues the world faces today especially as
regards to the environment,’ says explains Ajmer, who is a trained artist now
involved in social work, whilst running a successful business in Sweden.
As a natural
corollary, ‘TellusArt’ has come down to Goa to organize an International Art
Workshop in association with the Department of Art & Culture, Government of
Goa, titled ‘Keep Our Planet Alive’ which will be followed by an exhibition.
“Creativity
is contagious, pass it on,” said Albert Einstein. And if it can be used to raise consciousness about pressing world issues and
promoting friendship, there’s nothing like it. Children, youth and professional
artists are the backbone of this ever-expanding organization.
TellusArt wants to build up a network of talented
artists, art enthusiasts and any individual global citizen who want to make a
difference. This will help promote art and artists alongside the mission of
disseminating the message of environment on the global level.
‘The
business of art is to reveal the relation between man and his environment,’
remarked D. H. Lawrence, the noted English novelist whose works represent an
extended reflection upon the dehumanizing effects of modernity and
industrialization.
In
them, Lawrence confronts issues relating to emotional health and vitality,
spontaneity, and instinct, which is all, connected to our immediate
environment. The environment that Ajmer wants us to be conscious of, and
protect for posterity. Ajmer looked beyond his success and pledged to devote
his valuable time to this cause of building awareness and bringing the world
together, with art.
‘Tellus’
is a Latin word for the "earth" and refers to the ancient Roman earth
mother goddess. This organization has been in existence for the past decade but
it was since 2008 that it really began to make news. This is when they began to
reach out to the artist community, which led to hosting their first major show
in Stockholm with 12 leading artists. This was quickly followed by two more in
India.
‘Give
me five years and I’ll give you the world,’ is what Ajmer said, five years
back, to the authorities in Sweden. The exponential growth of ‘TellusArt’ over
these years with its presence in over hundred countries speaks for the
commitment and dedication of the humble founder. He has an army of one thousand
plus artists fueling his mission to spread the love of our mother earth.
‘Keep Our Planet
Alive’ is housed besides the picturesque Santarem beach, at ‘Stonewater Eco
Resort’, at Bogmola. Forty-two artists from over fifteen countries, including
ten Goan brush-wielders, are putting their talent together to create some of
the most stunning works that highlight the ecological issues and portray
dangers of climate change, and destruction of nature and environment.
The workshop intends to extend beyond usual painting stints.
The visiting artists; from Sweden, Italy, Bahrain, Denmark, Saudi Arabia,
Korea, Iran, Qatar, Syria, Kurdistan, Netherlands, Bangladesh and India; will
be interacting with local community.
They’ll reach out to the school children besides conducting
Creative Street Wall Paintings Workshop with them and enthusiastic youth. The
artists will participate in street cleaning and sanitization
program.
Suhail Baddor from Syria is very happy to
be associated with this event in Goa. Nisha Sandhu, an alumnus of Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, feels that
‘TellusArt’ exudes a lot of energy and vitality that entices people to this
organization. She has been involved in organizing the first exhibition of art,
of the organization, in India and as such has the ringside view of the growth
of ‘TellusArt’ in the country. She is one of the pillars of ‘TellusArt’.
‘These workshops bring
people, from across the globe, together and facilitate the process of sharing
the goodness,’ states Sakar Faruq from Kurdistan. Mohammad Atiq from Qatar
feels that such events bring in a fresh air of ideas to the creative people and
builds contacts that strengthens the unity in the world marred by violence and
suspicion.
‘TellusArt is committed to providing a global platform to
outstanding and upcoming artists from all over the world through exhibitions,
workshops and projects related to art,’ reiterates Ajmer.
‘This
is one of our attempt to tap the creative wealth housed in this world renowned
tourist destination,’ states Ajmer. ‘We are sure to have made a difference by
connecting with the children, youth
and professional artists from Goa.’
An exhibition of the works produced at the workshop
will be on view from February 17 at the Exhibition Hall at Sanskruti Bhavan,
Panaji-Goa.
