Artist and the Art of Inclusion

by Samar S Jodha

The most encouraging platform in today’s conflicted world is the art space. It brings together the universal language of self-expression, does not discriminate on gender, income, or any cultural differences, and fosters a dialogue of inclusion.

Artist Probir Gupta believes in taking his art practice beyond his shadow. His work reflects the socio-political conflict of the world around us. As a mentor, he has extended this engagement through art education so that our society’s haves and the have-nots interact in a creative environment. His art initiative, Muktangan, creates and implements strategic art-centric mediation that is transformative and impacts the lives of vulnerable and marginalised children.

Eight years back, project SHAPE was initiated as a Public Art involvement for social action aimed at interventions in community spaces for inclusion and support. It started with 20 children from SPID, Udayan Care and Salaam Baalak Trust. Since then, these young minds have been on a journey of self-discovery, finding their voice, leading to skill development, and empowering their individuality. The engagement under this, SHAPE 3, comprises works by Sanjana, Arti, Muskaan, Priyanka, Sinku and Rani.

Muktangan has always had the good fortune to be supported by the artist community with collaborations and original artwork donations for fundraising. In today’s showcase, we have artists Vivan Sundaram, Vibha Galhotra, Sonia Khurana, Sharmila Samant, Samar Jodha, Ravi Agarwal, Ram Rahman, Qamar Dagar, Probir Gupta, Manisha Baswani, Anita Dube, Alok Som and Aban Raza, who have contributed their work to this collective mission.

So drop by and support art which is about inclusion