‘e CAPA 2019’ brings together young artists with disabilities

Shalini Gupta, founder of Art Sanctuary and her team are organizing the ongoing ‘e CAPA 2019’ in Delhi to showcase art works of youngsters with disabilities. The event that began last week will go on till 14 November. 99 art works of over 47 youngsters with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are showcased at the event. The team at Art Sanctuary are excited after having getting a lot of good responses for the show.

When Shalini Gupta started Art Sanctuary a few months back, the main aim was to empower youngsters with intellectual disabilities. Her daughter 17 year old Gayatri had Down syndrome and was an excellent artist and photographer. Shalini knew that there were many youngsters like Gayatri who was exceptionally talented but did not have the right opportunities to showcase their talents. Shalini is currently hosting her first exhibition e CAPA 2019. The event that began last Friday will go on till 14 November. Shalini and her team are super excited when they talk about the works that are exhibited for ‘e CAPA 2019’.

47 youngsters with various kinds of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are part of the event. 20 of them were present during the opening day on 1 November. All the works that are displayed at the event were selected by Bose Krishnamachari, artist and founder of the art festival Kochi Muziris Biennale. Renowned cinematographer Ajmal Jami chose the photography and videography works that were exhibited.

Shalini says that they wanted to ensure that the event looks like a corporate one and was graced by many senior artists who appreciated all the art works.

We want to announce to the world that people with disabilities can produce art and that their works are stunning and gorgeous. Through this platform, we want to tie up with existing artists in order to mentor our young ones so that they can come up to a great level. People can also start investing in art works of these young artists. – Shalini Gupta, Founder, Art Sanctuary.

Apart from paintings, clay models, sculptures, diyas and other forms of art are also exhibited at ‘e CAPA 2019’. “We have been getting a lot of good responses ever since we started it off last Friday. What makes all our work worth is seeing smiles on the faces of these youngsters when their art is appreciated. Every product is sold after consulting with parents”, says Shalini.

“As parents of special needs kids, our wow moments, in context of sensitive and sensible folks not only accepting our kids, but laying down the red carpet for them are rare. Shalini and her team did that at ‘e CAPA 2019’. She made this an occasion to remember and cherish. Thanks for trying to even the odds”, says a parent Swaminathan.

16 art works have already been sold. Art Sanctuary team are hoping that all the works gets appreciated and sold in the next one week. “People have been giving us a lot of support saying that this is first-of-its-kind event. We are holding the second edition in Mumbai early next year”, says Shalini.

‘e CAPA 2019’ is held at a space sponsored by Amit Gupta, Founder and Curator of Vis a Vis/STIR at Chhattarpur Farms. The event is open from 11 am to 5.30 pm every day till 14 November.

You can contact Shalini Gupta at +91 98102-55297.

Also Read: Inspired by daughter, Shalini Gupta starts the Art Sanctuary for youngsters with disabilities