Art for all: Chennai duo making art accessible

On a lazy festive holiday, as the city gears up to engage in the fervour and later catch premieres of latest movies on TV, contemporary artist Jacob Jebaraj is busy juggling a hundred different things. He’s preparing for an upcoming solo show while simultaneously organising workshops for professionals and budding artists, and co-ordinating with NGOs over classes for special children. The activities are part of his initiative YouArt, a movement that was started in 2007 by his father, Richard Jesudas, an award-winning artist and founding member of Cholamandal Artists’ Village. YouArt conducts classes and workshops where tutors teach students basics like tonal values, perspective art, colour therapy, sensory art, and more. “It was originally meant to be an Art Education Programme (AEP) for disabled children to develop their motor skills. Over the years, we’ve expanded our activities to tsunami rehabilitation centres, juvenile homes, schools and colleges, besides numerous public places,” explains Jacob, who lives in the Cholamandal Artists’ Village on ECR.

The organisation recently conducted a two-day workshop on block and screen printing on textiles. Jacob reveals that most institutions require one to have a Bachelor’s degree to practise in professional studios. “But here, at the YouArt Studio in Chennai, you can just sign up for the course, and we will provide you everything from scratch. All you need is interest and undying passion,” he adds. 

All the classes are conducted by industry experts. “For example, we had renowned artist Naresh Prabhu teaching watercolour techniques. We had National-award winning artist Vijay Pitchumani for woodcut technique on printing,” recalls Jacob, who is trained in screen printing techniques from the London Print Studio, and has showcased his creations on several national and global platforms. 

The initiative has taken the couple to schools in remote parts of the country like Chikmagalur, Indore, Chemmangudi, and Kumbakonam among other places. These experiences have been a journey of learning and revelation for the couple. “Working with children, especially special children, is such a gratifying experience. Also, when we visit villages in the country’s most interior parts, we come back with information about practices like irrigation, eco-friendly cooking and organic farming methods. There’s so much knowledge sharing. That’s what art is all about. It’s all about sharing,” concludes Ranjini, director of YouArt.