Against all odds…

Demetri Martin once said, “The earth without art is just eh.”

Most of us appreciate art in one form or the other – music, dance, writing, painting, sculpture, architecture, photography and so on. Some of us are fortunate enough to be able learn and acquire artistic skills, and few of us are gifted with such abilities.

Art is probably the only medium which transcends all boundaries. Be it Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Monalisa or intricate sculptures at Karnataka’s Hampi, Spain’s lively Flamenco or mellifluous classical music ensembles at Vienna, art truly enriches the world and lasts beyond many lifetimes.

No wonder, many artistes are highly revered and recognized world over.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s music is amongst the most performed of the classical music repertoire. But how many of us know that this famed pianist produced Symphony No. 9, one of his most renowned compositions, after he had lost almost all his hearing abilities? It is indeed astounding that his loss of hearing did not stop him from the pursuit of music.

Courtesy pop culture, most of us would know that Pablo Picasso was dyslexic. Experts suggest that his dyslexia influenced his art works and would guide his imagination, which led to the creation of iconic pieces of art like Old Man. Closer home, we have foot artist Sheela Sharma and sculptor Shivraj Singh among many others, who are making a mark in the field of art.

What motivates individuals to overcome their limitations and excel? Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia suggest that art, in all its forms, is an ikigai that can bring happiness and purpose to our days, in their book titled ‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that helps individuals identify their purpose. It is an amalgamation of what one is good at, what can be paid for, what one likes doing, and what the world needs – seemingly difficult to identify and attain. However, artistes, who truly enjoy what they do, offer inspiration and ideas to bring energy and meaning to our lives.

What else can explain how a 16-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer whose right leg had to be amputated due to an accident returned to dancing within two years, gave performances across the globe, won a National Film Award and became a renowned actor? We’re talking about none other than Sudha Chandran. Instead of resigning to her fate, she dedicated herself to regaining mobility with the help of a prosthetic Jaipur foot and literally danced her way into the hearts of the people.

We have many such stories of grit and determination. But what we need to think about is how we can help make an impact in the lives of such people. With many organizations supporting such artistes, the least we can do is appreciate and encourage their work, and provide some support if possible.

After all, during the current pandemic, the world turned towardsarts and artistes, seeking hope and peace of mind.