Save the tiger, says Ganesha

Students from various design schools have created a Ganesha seated atop a tiger to spread the message of protecting the animal from extinction

Artist Sheil Sadwelkar will help Ganpati Bappa save the tiger. His exhibit showcases the elephant God sitting atop a life-sized tiger and is being exhibited in his own home.



An alumnus of the JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, he specialises in art made from ballpoint pens and in the black and white medium. But this project isn't a solo one. His students from various design schools and from the academy run by his artist wife Minoo, are also involved.

Sheil always sticks to contemporary themes. While last year he chose to create a pristine white Ganesh in tune with the sombre theme of swine flu that had hit the city, in 2008, it was a black Ganesh on a zebra.u00a0
"This year we have an eco-friendly idol specially crafted by sculptor, Abhijit Donphale in shadu clay. It is in an arresting and auspicious red colour, riding a life-sized 10 feet tiger, specially made by sculptor Pramod Kamble," says Minoo.

Art by Minoo's students form the backdrop. "It's a pleasure working with children as their energy is infectious. You can see their paintings depicting the tiger in many creative ways."u00a0

The paintings feature tigers in various posesu00a0-- swimming, drinking water in a river, with a noose above their head and even playing cricket with a bat. There are even pugmarks on the walls to reflect authenticity. Some of the paintings will be brought out in a calendar in 2011.

But for now if you want to avoid the crowds and prefer a quiet darshan, drop in and spare a thought for the tiger.

AT Y1104, Konarakpuram, Kondhwa.
TILL September 22, 5 pm to 7 pm
CALL 9860610605 / 9890804443