Brushstrokes of hope: Teen boy’s art for charity is a hit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Abhishek N, 17, the artist behind the expo ‘brushstrokes of hope’ being held at Amuseum Gallery of Modern Art, is beyond thrilled about finally realising his dream of donating money to the Regional Cancer Centre. Most of the 120 paintings presented here have been sold out while additional orders have come in for certain unique pieces like the metal-engraved artworks.
Abhishek's journey as an artist started when his kindergarten teachers called up his father after he won a school painting competition.His father Nagaraj R fondly remembers how the faculty told him that the child is definitely gifted and should pursue painting seriously.
“My father, elder brother and I are art teachers and Abhishek grew up in an environment where children came to our house every weekend for art classes. I was more than happy to find that my son too had the talent to draw and paint which runs in our family,” Nagaraj said.
Drawing inspiration from nature, Abhishek mainly works on landscapes and has mastered mediums like oil pastels, ballpen art, watercolour, acrylic and metal engraving. He usually does live sketching when he goes to Attingal, his mother's native place. “The village there is the perfect get-away spot from the city where I get to do live sketches of the calm waters, the trees which sway in the breeze and really experience the beauty of nature. I have also always been fascinated by the landscape paintings my uncle, who is also an art teacher, does,” he said.
The artist has completed Class XII from Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School Thycaud and is awaiting results. “I am planning to attend the entrance exam for product design at the National Institute of Design next,” Abhishek said.
The expo will conclude on Sunday.