The human race has always taken pride in our invincibility. However, last year, the Covid pandemic landed a great blow to that vane ego. Even as we step into a new year, our war hasn’t ended yet. There is no doubt that we would emerge victorious in this fight. But, the question of when we would be able to do that is really draining our energy.
I believe and have always felt that one’s self is the safest place to return to or seek refuge whenever we are in despair. The joy and courage that we derive from our soul is what give us the strength to overcome the struggles. Then we would find exhilaration in whatever creative expression - be it music, paintings, visuals or even cinema – that we see around us.
How uniquely have we tried to express ourselves despite the trying times of the pandemic? Through the small drawings or the songs that we hummed or even through the visuals that we captured, we have tried to express ourselves. We paved our own path of survival. Our art got illuminated with kindness, love and hope. We have tried to enjoy the fabulous hues of the world even while going through darker times. We bared ourselves to the world through all means of communications when we were locked in. Now, we have begun realizing that all of us speak the single language of hope and optimism. We use this unique language to shower appreciations on nature and on our fellow beings. We are even grateful to be able to draw in the breath of life.
Recently I read an article about a painting series titled ‘Imprisoned by times, freed by imagination’ by a young artist. Art during these difficult times has been perfectly represented in it.
Covid-19 would be wiped out. We will be freed. However, the art that this time has created would remain forever. It would stay on eternally as a symbol of our suffering, survival and expression. I hope that 2021 too would give voice to our souls through art.
(Surumi is an artist based in Bengaluru. She is the daughter of actor Mammootty)
