Artist V Jeevananthan has tried numerous artwork kinds and media over his expansive profession: from movie banners and digital artwork, to guide illustrations and portraits. But nothing might have ready him for his latest wall portray of the late VG Jagadeesh. Known lovingly as Jaggu within the metropolis, he was tetraplegic, and was confined to a wheelchair all through his life. Jaggu, who’s remembered for his optimistic angle, writing, and social activism, handed away in 2019 on the age of 27. Last week, Jeevananthan got down to do a wall portray of Jaggu within the presence of his dad and mom. “I felt very emotional,” says the 68-year-old who can be a movie critic and author.
It was a setting that may unnerve an artist, however Jeevananthan managed to do it in his common type, whilst Jaggu’s dad and mom recalled incidents from their son’s life. “Before I set out to paint Jaggu, we sent out an announcement asking people to come and observe me at work,” says Jeevananthan. The portray is a part of a sequence that the artist is engaged on at an upcoming inclusive park and play area at Kalapatti.
A portray of Beethoven by Jeeva
| Photo Credit:
Special association
Done as wall panels, he has chosen to color personalities from India and overseas who’ve thrived regardless of bodily limitations. Jeevananthan has to this point completed 13 of them, together with folks reminiscent of Helen Keller, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vincent van Gogh, amongst others. “I will be doing around five more,” he explains. Jeevananthan takes as much as two hours to finish a portray, and does it with out grids or measurement. But working open air in the summertime may be difficult, he says. “I see this as my contribution to a good cause as a lover of the city,” he says.
Artist Jeeva’s portray of Jaggu
| Photo Credit:
Special association
The inclusive park is being constructed by Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) with funding from Bosch, in keeping with R Raveendran, RAAC’s secretary. “It will be a space for special and differently-abled children to play and interact with other children,” he says, stating that our cities lack such areas. “As a result, special children end up spending most of their lives indoors,” he says. The park could have 33 play tools, and will likely be unfold throughout a little bit over one acre. It may also have a centre for artwork and craft referred to as Art Abode the place particular kids can attempt their hand at clay modelling, artwork, and origami with coaching from specialists who will go to as soon as per week.
Artist Jeeva
| Photo Credit:
Special association
“Entry will be free,” he says, including: “It will be a space for children to be happy. Here, no one will be treated differently.” The inclusive park will likely be opened later this month.
Published – March 08, 2025 10:19 am IST
