The Belaku Trust, an NGO founded by Dr Saraswathi Kannad, came into being in 1995 to extend health and nutrition to underprivileged rural women and children. To raise funds towards this cause, an exhibition supported by Crimson Art Resources and Triveni Vinod, premiered at the Grand Ashok on Tuesday.

Among the artists who showcased their works were Dilip Chaudhury, Preeti Raja, Rameshwar Singh,  S Krisnappa, Triveni and Yasala Balaiah.

The handdrawn rickshaws of Kolkata have inspired many artists and Dilip’s ink sketches drew the attention of Wendy and David Belham, among others, who commented on the delicate silhouettes. Preeti Raja’s watercolour washes encompassed elements of nature. Rameshwar Singh juxtaposed his black and whites with mythological, nature and human disharmonies, with superimposed inscriptions of Sanskrit shlokas highlighting the concerns of discrepancies in life. Reeth, David, Aarti among the guests, found these to be a depiction of true Indian art.
S Krishnappa has been exhibiting since 1981 and his musician series are being viewed again. Playful, coulorful musicians show an element of sensitivity and detailing.

Apart from her earlier paintings on the Five Elements and Twelve Gems of Life, Triveni had two new works. Her work superimposed and embellished with semi-precious stones, continues. Yasala Balaiah comes from Andhra. The two semi-abstract faces of rural women had strong influences of Vaikutam’s portraiture style.

Harinder Singh, the GM of Grand Ashok expressed delight at the awareness about art in Bangalore. Dr Saraswathi spoke of the overwhelming experiences at the NGO of seeing women being battered by drunken husbands, striving to run their homes and becoming so resilient to physical abuse.

“It’s poverty and not germs that are responsible for their depleting health. Belaku means illumination and that’s what they need. We could use more public support,” she added.

For details call Belaku Trust: 26654145.