Art From Behind Bars: Chintan Upadhyay joins the initiative

Why does a person land up behind bars? Answer: If he/she is convicted of committing a crime; or under trial for an alleged crime. The crime could range from petty theft to gruesome murder, done in an impulsive fit of rage or as a habitual compulsion; the person could be convicted, accused or framed – but whatever the case may be, life behind bars is nothing but unfortunate! 

To pay for one’s sins is not in itself wrong; of course, no crime should go unpunished. But on a more spiritual level, one must look beyond the crime. The human spirit of survival should get a chance to be resurrected. Let the person be punished, let him serve the term, regret and repent – and then offer him a chance to heal emotionally and rehabilitate his life. 

This is where art can come into play. Art offers the human mind an escape from reality – an opportunity to rinse and cleanse the mind and soul. In an ideal world, prison architecture and management itself should improve and adapt to this philosophy. Nevertheless, any step in this direction is praiseworthy. 

Kavita Shivdasani founded the Dagar Pathway Trust with a similar thought. ‘Art From Behind Bars’ (AFBB) established in 2007, is the flagship campaign of the NGO.  The aim of AFFB is to “promote the artistic talent of those serving time in prison and to provide a platform to this often ignored section of society to explore their creativity. Money from sale of the artwork is either credited into the prison artist’s account so that on his/her release he/she will have a cache to fall back on until they find suitable employment. Some prison artists specify that the money be handed to their family members as the breadwinner i.e. the artist himself, is in jail,” says Kavita.  (Pics: 4-9)

Started off as an initiative in prisons across Maharashtra like Yerwada, Byculla, Arthur Road and Nashik Jail, many inmates opt for the art workshops and channelize their energy into creating lovely paintings. One of the inmates of Thane Central Jail is celebrated Indian artist Chintan Upadhyay – who is presently under trial.

In March this year, after Upadhyay started showing signs of slipping into depression because of his prolonged incarceration, he was provided with colours and canvases. A wonderful step from the authorities, indeed – as art can help heal the most scarred of souls. Till now, Chintan himself has completed four paintings in prison! (Pic:2) And now as part of the same initiative by the Dagar Pathway Trust, Chintan is conducting art workshops at the jail – where interested inmates can sign up and free their minds through art. (Pic:3)

About 15 inmates enrolled for the workshop, but only nine stayed till the end. The outcome of this ‘Art Behind Bars’ initiative is mind-blowing; as we see stunning paintings emerging from behind the bars – which are then exhibited and sold. With a mentor like Chintan Upadhyay, the inmates’ creative side is sure to blossom!