Kochi, Dec 31: This cheerful artist from Down Under is now a familiar face to patients at a leading hospital in this city amid India’s only biennale. Ever since Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) launched the Arts and Medicine project eleven months ago, Australian Daniel Connell has fascinated the patients by drawing their portraits with exceptional dexterity and ease, bringing smiles on their faces.
Young Connell, who was at the General Hospital in downtown Ernakulam to participate in the 45th edition of the Arts and Medicine programme here on Wednesday as part of the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale, surprised the patients by inquiring about their whereabouts in their mother tongue Malayalam. But then, Connel had earlier as well stayed in Kochi during the country’s first biennale that was held during 2012-13 for 96 days.
Currently pursuing PhD at School of Art, Architecture and Design under University of South Australia, Connell has travelled extensively across India exploring the potential of portraiture to generate human connectedness across cultures.
“Portraiture is a unique art form that helps one to be sensitive and reflective about their own personality. By looking at their own portraits, the patients will, for a while, think about themselves and the realities of life,” the Melbourne-based artist said.
“We never force the patients to come out and attend the programmes since that can be just impossible for some of them due to poor health conditions. However, what is happening here is truly encouraging. The patients at the hospital are very excited about the project and are ready to engage with the programme,” he added.
Connell also opined that the project needs to be expanded to more hospitals, adding that hospitals should not be a place of despair, but a place of hope and happiness. Artists should visit places like hospitals, interact with people and help the public realize the healing power of art, he added.
KBF research coordinator Bonny Thomas said 2014 has been a “fulfilling” year for ‘Arts and Medicine’ which began in February as a weekly project that would hold a music show every Wednesday. “I thank the hospital authorities, doctors and staff for all their support,” he said. “As we enter the New Year, the KBF will come out with more such programmes in association with (Kochi’s) Mehboob Memorial Orchestra for the benefit of the patients.”
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