PETIT SEMINAIRE STUDENTS PAINTINGS : NOW DOCTOR IN PIMS

PRIYAN’S PAINTINGS

 N.Nandhivarman                                                  New Indian Express..

 La Giaconda is one of the world’s most famous paintings. You may blink at this statement. . But if we say Mona Lisa all will know. The painting may be famous but can anyone tell whose portrait Mona Lisa is? Very few knew that the painting of Mona Lisa is that of Mona Lisa Gherarni who was the wife of Francesca del Giaconda of Florence. From this one lesson is derived. A painter can make a personality immortal. The artist can leave a deep imprint in peoples mind and if his craft catches people’s imagination it will live beyond his lifetime. That is why society encourages students to get involved in hobbies like painting and among those who aspire Priyan Voltaire had gained recognition.

Priyan hails from a family that had liberated itself from the bonds of casteism and regionalism. Yes the parents of this upcoming painter are lovers fostering Tamil and Kerala union. Ramachandran, a freelance journalist is a Marxian and social activist who evaded wedlock for long. But love was powerful and he had to succumb by marrying Alice, a nurse, who is a Keralite. Born to such parents who are fond of their two sons Priyan Voltaire (15) and Russil Vladimir (13) sky was the limit for the affection and love showered by the parents.

Priyan’s father tried his best to groom the son in his mould. You could have seen Priyan Voltaire addressing street corner meetings against globalization while he was 12 years along with progressive forces. As age grew, maturity dawned. The boy had started to think independently. Priyan Voltaire in the aftermath of the display of his paintings declared that henceforth the theme of his paintings would be messages against terrorism. His father’s influence over him is on the wane. He had become a believer. The father and son are engaged in a serious family debate. The son cites the example of Professor Anthony Flew who after being a proponent of atheism for half a century at his 81-st age became a believer. Priyan asks his father what is wrong in being a believer?

 Priyan says “ researchers investigation of the DNA had shown that the almost unbelievable complexity of the arrangements, which are needed to produce life, and this, makes him a believer.” The debate in the family though unconnected resembles the debate in America by a group that is called intelligent design. More than 360 biologists in America had signed a joint memorandum challenging evolution and this had set the tone to admire the intelligent design of human race, which became the name of the group. Priyan’s father in desperation writes in his usual column in a local weekly “ I went to him and asked why we perceive god in human form and is it correct to impose human form advocacy on other species?” This question may sound as being addressed to religious people, but he argues before his son indirectly, and fails to convince him. There is one lesson in this episode. No ideology by gnostics or agnostics could be imposed on any thinking human being. Days have gone when sons accepted their father’s version as gospel. That does not mean indiscipline in family. It means we are in an age of enlightenment and knowledge explosion where every concept on earth will face scrutiny and inward debate among humans.

 Priyan, the upcoming artist dutifully recognizes the teachers who taught him painting “ Maniccam my teacher gave me requisite training. While I was in 1 st standard I joined Jawahar Bal Bhavan run by Pondicherry Government and gained efficiency by the training imparted there. Having learnt for 5 years I got the Best Child Award for Creativity in the year 1999. Then I joined Saint Joseph Art Academy and enriched my experience under the guidance of drawing masters Sampath, Nice, Subburayan etc. At present under the guidance of Rajaram, Lecturer in the Bharathiar Palkalai Koodam, Priyan continues his training towards perfection.

 “I sent my painting to the Vishwakala Dharshini at Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh for an exhibition. My painting won the second national level award. Emboldened by these responses, my parents advised me to hold an exhibition of my paintings at Kamban Kalai Arangam. The Progressive writer Association too had lauded my paintings. So far I had drawn more than 250 paintings”, Priyan speaks with ease and glitter in his eyes. It is my desire to awaken the people’s consciousness to combat terrorism and to light the candle of Peace at all homes on earth says Priyan.

Priyan Voltaire had also won many prizes for his oratorical skills. One thing is certain, the product of liberal progressive minded parents Priyan grows intellectually on his own and the milieu in the family is conducive for cultivating agreeing to disagree concept, the very essential ingredient of democracy at a family soil.

Courtesy: New Indian Express:24 th September 2005