~Proceeds from the exhibition will be used to construct Om Abode, a community living facility for the differently-abled
Mumbai, 21st September, 2016: The ‘Art Trisomy 21’, a two day art exhibition organized by Om Creations Trust and featuring art created by specially-abled young adults, suffering from Down’s syndrome and other developmental disorders was inaugurated by Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis, Vice President, Axis Bank (spouse of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis) today. The exhibition is being held on Sept 21 & 22 at Coomarswami Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai.
The event marks the completion of 25 years since the foundation of Om Creations Trust. Over 200 paintings and artifacts are on exhibit. The proceeds from the exhibition will go toward setting up Om Abode, India’s first Community living space and research centre for the specially-abled situated at Khandpe, Karjat on a 12.5 acre site. It will be a community living facility and a multi-functional social innovation institute that will house skill development centres, spaces for vocational workshops, a research centre, library, medical centre, recreational facilities and living quarters for the differently-abled residents.
Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis said, “I’m priviledged to be part of this special exhibition. The art presented is truly amazing and no less than professional work. Work done by Om Creations has been commendable. Their motto ‘Art is healing’ is apt as art does create harmony and gives peace and soothing effect. We need to support these special children and get them to mainstream and provide dignity.”
Dr. Radhike Khanna, Founder Trustee, Om Creations Trust, said “Om Creations is constantly working to help specially-abled women find their place in society. Our aim is to provide them dignity and what better way to do that than making their efforts recognized in form of art. The Art Trisomy 21’ exhibition demonstrates how art helps them express their potential. Art acts as a medium to facilitate, heal and thus empower and improve the lives of these specially abled individuals. The proceedings of this exhibition will be going towards building India’s first Community living space and skill development centre for these individuals – Om Abode. This will provide them physical, emotional and social security.”
The event also saw a renowned artist Anuradha Thakur creating a live painting as a part of the inaugural ceremony
Artist Anuradha Thakur said, “I am very, very impressed by what I’ve seen here today. The exhibits are all remarkable and done to an extremely professional standard. The creative avenues of expression that these young artists have explored to project their feelings on the canvas are unique and truly fascinating.”
The Art Trisomy 21’ is derived from ‘Trisomy 21’, the condition commonly known as Down's syndrome. Like the name in itself, the event has been conceptualized to showcase the transformation that art can drive in the lives of specially-abled individuals. In line with the organization’s motto 'Art is Healing', each artwork tells a story, captures a feeling, an expression and an underlying dream which Om Creations, is striving to help each individual realize.
Neha Pradhan, a young artist with Down’s syndrome said, “Drawing makes me feel special and playing with colors is fun. I like to paint my thoughts on canvas as it helps me better express myself.”
Art is a psychotherapeutic service and it allows the differently-abled to express themselves in a creative, non-verbal way with the use of colors and other art materials. Art acts a therapy of expression which words simply cannot match.
About Om Creations Trust:
Om Creations gives developmentally challenged women training in arts, crafts and culinary skills. Established in 1991, the organization runs three centers in Mumbai that aim to economically empower women. It gives them the space and tools they need to create more than 175 products, including painting, gift bags, wallets, scarves and food, such as bread and other baked goods, chocolates and made-to-order meals.
Om Creations staff members teach the women painting and sculpting techniques, baking, cooking, gift wrapping skills amongst others. It gives the women a stipend for the products they make, thus helping them to support themselves and their families. Various corporate and individuals are part of their elite list of clients. As a result of the confidence and skills they learn through Om Creations, many of them have subsequently gone on to be employed by prestigious companies.
