Breaking barriers through their art
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The family at the exhibition. Pix by Amila Gamage
Two special guest artists were the cynosure of many eyes with the third who was absent being given equal attention when the Learning Support Unit of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, presented ‘The Artist in Me’ to the public recently.
Referring to ‘Our Guest Artists’, the souvenir distributed at the exhibition and sale of work that day stated: “Three very talented artists have teamed up with our own students to make this event more memorable. We really appreciate the efforts put in by Mayuran (20), Priyadharsha (18) and Kabilash (16) in creating the wonderful pencil sketches that you see displayed at our exhibition. This is their first public exhibition.
“In spite of their severe physical disability, these three young people love art and with the limited equipment they own, they engage in drawing and sketching. These three brothers show us that every child, regardless of their situation in life, has a hidden talent and potential which should be brought out and nurtured with love and commitment by the adults who support them. Every passion and skill that children have should be explored and encouraged to build their confidence and help them understand their purpose,” the souvenir which also has three photographs of the Guest Artists states.
A corner of the hall where ‘The Artist in Me’ exhibits are displayed was demarcated for the works of Mayuran, Priyadharsha and Kabilash, as parents and children walked around, stopping to gaze at the beautiful sketches and also exchange a few words with them as well as their parents, M. Manoharan and M. Manohari, and sister Yadurshika.
Unfortunately, Mayuran could not be present as bringing him to the venue could pose a danger to him as he has to be carried a long distance.
The spotlight fell on these three talented artists when the Sunday Times in a moving piece headlined ‘Living in hope and joy in the face of adversity’ on December 24, last year, wrote about the plight of this family surviving in a shack that is No. 32 in ‘Samagi Watte’ off Kirimandala Mawatha in Narahenpita with no vehicular access to their home.
A buyer for the work of the ‘guest artists’
The family has been facing numerous vicissitudes since all three sons suffering from Becker’s muscular dystrophy have descended into severe physical disability. Priyadharsha and Kabilash are wheelchair-bound while Mayuran lies sprawled on the floor…….but for all three sketching is their passion.
With newspaper in hand some staff members of Lyceum’s Learning Support Unit had visited them to invite them not only to be present during the function but also showcase their work.
All the proceeds from the sale of paintings at the ‘Artist in Me’ Exhibition, amounting to Rs. 81,000 were handed over to Mayuran’s family.
| Inner Wheel Club of Wattala steps in | |
| Following the publication of the same article ‘Living in hope and joy in the face of adversity’, the Inner Wheel Club of Wattala had visited the family bearing gifts of dry rations.Seeing the heart-rending plight of the three youth, especially Mayuran, the club members had taken a decision to give more support and approached generous donors. The efforts reached fruition when on Thursday the club members revisited the family taking with them a bed donated by Hansteel Fabrico Chairman Premalal Fernando, a mattress, an air-mattress, clothes and dry rations, bringing smiles to the faces of the parents and children. |