Exhibition held to mark Mata Amritanandamayi's birthday

BANGALORE: The Amritavarsham 50 Celebration which is dedicated to world peace- ''Embracing the World for Peace and Harmony''- has inspired 125 National and international artists to portray the life and teachings of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi in an exhibition in Kochi.
The result has been 125 portraits and ''Love and Serve'' - Colours of Compassion Exhibition in Kochi which is nearing completion.
Ranging from realistic to abstract, these portraits will be on display in the International Stadium in Kochi from September 24 to 27.
The exhibition forms part of the celebrations honouring the charitable and humanitarian works on the 50th birthday of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi. Amma, as she is fondly known by her followers, is Guru to millions across the world.
One of the highlights of the Colours of Compassion exhibition will be a live show of a 250 foot ''painting in creation'' by all of the participating artists on the theme ''Love and Serve''. All artists will be present during the four days of "Colours of Compassion".
The work has captured Amma''s life and mission, including many aspects of her teachings and landmark events in her life.
Fifteen National Award winners and 32 State Award Winners are participating in this exhibition. Sixteen traditional Indian styles of painting are incorporated into the Colours of Compassion.
Participating artists include Marja Hallen, Finland; Luise Kloos, Austria; Michiko Hasegawa, Japan; Pamela Avril, USA among others. Of the National artists participating, the list includes Arpana Kaur, Vasudeva Akkitham, Jaysree Chakra Barthi, Vijay Shinde, Jay Sarottia, Vir Munshi, Paris Mohan Kumar (one of forty painters worldwide recognized by the UN), Artist Namboodiri, Professor Kattornarayana Pillai, K Jayapala Panikkar, B D Dathan and Kala Dharan.
Principals of Santhiniketan of Calcutta, Faculty of Fine Arts, Baroda; J J School of Fine Art, Mumbai; School of Fine Arts, Delhi; Fine Arts College, Trivandrum; Abhinava Kala Vidyalaya, Pune.