In a captivating fusion of art and advocacy, Breakthrough India is set to unveil "The Equal Project" at the Tao Art Gallery in Mumbai from September 22 to 27, 2023. This exceptional art exhibition transcends mere aesthetics; it champions the cause of gender equality, shedding light on the inequities faced by girls and women in India.
From the moment a girl is born in India, her journey is often marred by disparities. The stark statistics reveal this reality: for every 1,000 boys, only 918 girls are allowed to take their first breath. One in every four girls becomes a child bride, and a mere 41 per cent receive more than ten years of education. This inequality persists into womanhood, with discrimination and violence lurking at every corner. Breakthrough India's "The Equal Project" emerges as a beacon of hope, aiming to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future where girls can fully realize their potential.
"The Equal Project" brings together an impressive array of hand-painted sculptures by some of India's most renowned artists, including Seema Kohli, Brinda Miller, Kamar Alam, Gurcharan Singh, Nayana Kanodia, Nishant Dange, and more. These artists, in harmonious alignment with Breakthrough's mission, offer their creative genius to advocate for a gender-equal world, one free from violence and discrimination.
Nayana Kanodia, one of the participating artists, shares her perspective, saying, "We often envision trees as symbols of growth, with Mother Earth embodying the divine feminine, fertile and nurturing. My sculpture features the 'Tree of Life,' adorned with lush flora and fauna, symbolizing the hope of providing young girls the opportunity to live their dreams to the fullest."
Kamar Alam, another artist, adds, "My work, 'I am the Sky' celebrates the dreams that reside in every girl's heart. The work features birds soaring freely in the boundless sky, symbolizing the limitless potential within every woman. As artists, this is our way of helping young girls' aspirations take flight into ever-expanding horizons."
These exquisite sculptures, shaped by the gifted hands of renowned sculptor Arzan Khambatta, come to life through the distinct artistic styles of various creators. Each piece shines a spotlight on the dreams, aspirations, and yearning for freedom that dwell within every girl's heart. The entire collection, comprising 30 awe-inspiring artworks, will grace the Tao Art Gallery, offering a profound visual experience to art enthusiasts with a heart for charitable causes.
"The Equal Project" is not just an exhibition; it's a labour of love led by dedicated patrons Sushma Jain and Kalpana Shah. These two champions of equality have not only spearheaded the event but have also lent their artistic talents to the cause by painting one sculpture each for the collection. Reflecting on her experience, Sushma Jain shared, "Painting the sculpture myself was a remarkable and novel journey. As I brought this beautiful girl child to life on canvas, I developed a deep connection with the subject. By adopting a sculpture, each of us can contribute to providing young girls in six states across India with equal opportunities, thanks to Breakthrough."
Breakthrough India's impactful work touches the lives of approximately 1.5 million adolescents across six states directly and through government partnerships. Their mission is clear: to nurture a new generation of boys and girls whose perspectives on gender are progressive and non-discriminatory. This commitment has yielded promising results, with girls in Uttar Pradesh marrying nearly two years later in areas where Breakthrough operates. The organization has also reshaped gender-based attitudes and behaviours among young people and communities. Most importantly, it has empowered girls to seize control of their lives, from choosing their careers to selecting life partners, enabling them to craft their own paths toward equality from a young age.
Mark your calendars for this enlightening experience. "The Equal Project" awaits your visit.
When: From September 22 to 27
Where: Tao Art Gallery, 165, The View, Dr. Annie Besant Rd, Worli, Mumbai