Live painting to illustrate a message from the trees

The need to protect the environment is something that everyone in the Capital can relate to, especially those who recently stood up against the felling of trees in South Delhi. And furthering the idea of environment conservation is an interactive live painting concept that aims to not only touch the lives of Delhiites, but also make them a part of the exhibit.

Intrigued already? Famous for his interactive narrative art, New York-based storyteller and graphic novelist Abhishek Singh will paint live on a mural-sized canvas that will touch upon the damage faced by the environment at the hands of mankind. The artwork, titled Vrikshadootam: A message from the trees, will depict the stories of the environment, and the need to protect, nurture, and preserve the same.

“The idea is to bring together mythology, folklore, botany, science, social awareness, and make it more interesting for people. The unique fusion will appeal to a larger audience of diverse age groups who may be more aware of the environment and ecology of their city and the world,” says Singh.

“There’s something charming embedded in the intricate design of this universe that keeps corresponding with us, imbuing in us a sense of wonder, making us collect thoughts — both abandoned and celebrated — making us tell stories. I would like to believe that my work is an attempt to know what I have always known but never really knew.”

Bringing the concept to the city is art curator Anubhav Nath, who first partnered with Singh for the Shiva in Varanasi public art project, where the paintings were created live, and were displayed on boats in the Ganges. “I wanted Abhishek to create an artwork that talks about the importance of the environment and the necessity and urgency to preserve the same employing his unique storytelling style combined with mythology and ecological issues,” he says, adding that the focus is on the immediate need and importance of man and nature to coexist peacefully through this concept.

For those attending this on Saturday, there will be a brief storytelling session and a quick draw on the spot.

The Shiva in Varanasi project by Abhishek Singh, in progress The artist, Abhishek, shows his artwork to a sadhu in Varanasi