When I last
met Moumita, it was by fluke of destiny. Our paths crossed as I was leaving an
audition. She greeted me and invited me in to meet her little babies. The sweet
conversation flew over from Meera and Zorro (her beloved kittens), them running
around, attempting a dive from the table and sitting in the laundry bag as she
gently chided them; to a simmering cup of black coffee while we discussed work
and life in theatre, activities, plans and a lot of appreciation for our
respective worlds. She looked absolutely stunning in white izaar kurti.
After a while,
I left with a warm feeling in me and wondering why didn’t we do this more often.
This unobstructed flow of energy back and forth that turned a leaf of inspiration.
Yet nothing too pompous about it.
A few months down, and bam! Artstraction was born as if a dream.
It’s
enthralling how community get-togethers can open a new world to you. I truly
believe that art comes from meeting new people who strangely hold a cup of your
soul already in their hearts, and you hold theirs. Truly motivational! But how
does this happen?
Remember that
warm feeling I was taking about? Multiply it by 20-30 people, add a luke warm
potion of shared passion, and a cause to live by. Done!
Naaaa! It’s
not just as easy as that to drive a whole community together. But it has been
happening in Mumbai. And yet again revived thanks to the virtuous vision of
Moumita Roy and Prashant Dubey, two artists who’ve made 2+2 = 5 and stuck by it
with a year of efforts to bring alive Artstraction in November 2017.
Artstraction is a social hub for
painters, photographers and artists from across Mumbai. What makes it genius is
it built on love for dispersing power of art amongst children from unprivileged
backgrounds. These children not only have been hindered by scarcity of time but
by stringent financial capacities that burden them now from unleashing the
Picassos in them. No, a few sessions of art will not make them masters, but it
will stir their pot of creativity and enable something magical in their lives.
Soon enough with the help of Artstraction.
Not stopping just
there, Artstraction allows you take home your creations as memoirs or put them
up for an auction as per the artists’ (You!) wish. Those then convert into
funds for these kids, which means a mode of supplying basic amenities to them.
And most importantly, an evening of non- perishable knowledge. That sure does
sound bliss.
Artstraction is backed up by Moumita
and Prashant’s fineness. She is a charismatic theatre artist and actress, and he
is an architect and a photographer. The duo are self-taught artists who handle
the logistics, admin, students, invites, resources, and just about everything
that could lift the venture. Artstraction seems
motivated by ‘Art for One and all’. They cater to everybody in terms of making
a space for those well off to get together and just Paint! And providing an
opportunity, painting tools and guidance for those who cannot afford them.
Above all, it’s a forum for interaction between the two.
I feel,
Artstraction extends a hand to the society for bringing back balance and a soulful
recreation. The idea had been on their minds since a year. “(we’ve been) trying best to arrange some funds but again things only
happen when they have to” says the co-founder Moumita Roy.
Well, I had almost forgotten how
noble art can be. Artstraction has restored that faith in me: Art can be the
staff of life. Or Should I rather say a stroke of replenishment?!
I look forward to the next meet up
of Artstraction. This will only make you feel richer without compromising on your evening plans.
Find them on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/Artstractions/
https://www.facebook.com/Artstractions/
So be there, Like and Share! Cause
every person counts for a good cause.
