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The majestic cobra woven around what looked like a torch stood out against the pale yellow background. Sharing space on the wall was another painting that reminded me of a rainbow or maybe a hippie. Must be because of all the vibrant colours splashed on the canvas. I was in Auroville near Pondicherry, except this time i had decided to explore the place little more than usual.
Curious to know the artist’s name, i peered into the canvas when a voice resounded in my ear, “These are by Hufreesh Dumasia, she is from the Auroville village” she said before i could strike up a conversation. Minutes later, i spotted her speaking to a lady. Beckoning me with the wave of a hand, she introduced me to the other lady saying she was the one who had created the masterpieces on display.
The majestic cobra woven around what looked like a torch stood out against the pale yellow background. Sharing space on the wall was another painting that reminded me of a rainbow or maybe a hippie. Must be because of all the vibrant colours splashed on the canvas. I was in Auroville near Pondicherry, except this time i had decided to explore the place little more than usual.
Curious to know the artist’s name, i peered into the canvas when a voice resounded in my ear, “These are by Hufreesh Dumasia, she is from the Auroville village” she said before i could strike up a conversation. Minutes later, i spotted her speaking to a lady. Beckoning me with the wave of a hand, she introduced me to the other lady saying she was the one who had created the masterpieces on display.
Striking up a conversation, i learnt that
hailing from Mumbai, Hufreesh is one of the artists who has made
Auroville their home. She came here to pursue higher studies, but today
has settled here and has initiated a project with the sole focus of
bringing together artist from various corners of the country and the
world. She is keen on spreading the value of art and its role in a
community life.
Auroville is a township created by The
Mother to unite people of the world, and there are many who have made
this village their home. They work, contribute towards the upkeep and
sanctity of the place apart from pursuing interesting careers like art,
music, dance and teaching languages to students from around the town.
Hufreesh mentioned there were quite a few
who were very talented, had been painting for years and have had shows
across the world. “I am so much at peace and have begin to look forward
to every day since moving to Auroville. My life before was such a stark
contrast.
Now when i pick up an empty canvas, i simply let my mind
wander, i don’t have an agenda, i don’t have any ideas, i just let my
hand weave the magic” she chirps with a big smile lighting up her face.
Before i could ask her more, she was called away dashing off with a “Au
Revoir” [Good bye in French].
Everytime i have made a trip down to
Pondicherry, i have spent a couple of hours at Auroville. But this was
the 1st time i had wanted to do something different and meeting a
resident of the village was definitely a surprise rendezvous. I spent a
few minutes looking around at the other paintings before walking down
the path towards the Matri Mandir. The gentle drizzle and silence
around made it quite an experience.I got back to the parking lot
wondering if there was a way for me to spend some time in this
Auroville village!
This post was recently posted on Clubmahindra blog
This post was recently posted on Clubmahindra blog
The tree looks so grand.
ReplyDelete@mridula- It is... quite huge, and aright at the entrance to matri mandir :)
ReplyDeleteHow have you been?
Love this awesome place. its so calm and quiet.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
This is one place I have yet to visit ...... probably this year :-)
ReplyDeletewonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHey Aarti, very nice account of Auroville...I was part of a theatre group for a while n we had a trainer who was this french lady who lived out of Auroville.. she said that its a melting point of cultures and creativity where people just stay back for the lifestyle which is purely driven by the dance of one's inner voice.. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, great pics, Aarti :)
This post was fantastic! You made some great points.
ReplyDelete