VARNOLSAVAM (Malayalam for Festival of Colors), a painting competition for children in the age group of five to fifteen has become Kerala’s biggest cultural event if the number of participants and quality of their work are any indication. The national capital was once synonymous with Shankar’s International Painting Competition for Children, launched by cartoonist Shankar. But over the years, the mega event lost its charm and has become almost defunct. But VARNOLSAVAM, held in connection with the annual Ernakulam International Book Festival, is going from strength to strength every year. The main attraction of the 27th edition of the EIBF turned out to be the recently held competition which drew nearly 800 kids from across the State.
“It was a visual treat and words may not be sufficient to describe the happiness and freedom enjoyed by the children,” said Dr Radha Meera, poetess and teacher in St Xavier’s College, Aluva. She had travelled across five districts in the State to select children who are passionate about colors and painting. “Our mission is to bring out the best from the kids who has a passion for painting,” said Meera.
While children in the age group of five to nine were free to paint and draw whatever they feel like doing, the “seniors” (10-15) were given topics to exhibit their skill, said E N Nandakumar, organizer of the EIBF and the painting competition.
The six-hour long competition made the children sit glued to the canvas and try different color combinations to bring to reality their dreams and imaginations. Villages of Kerala, the State’s fragile ecology, wild life facing threat from all walks of life and even the social life turned out to be topics of the children’s brushes and paints.
“There is no need to have canvas or paints or high-end drawing instruments to make the paintings lively. Even charcoal and walls can act as canvas for these children. Children without any basic training in painting and drawing thrilled us with their outputs,” said Dr Meera.
Nandakumar is happy that despite a fall in the reading habit of grown up persons, present-day children hold great promises for the future. “They are good readers and have a passion for colors. There is life beyond mobile phones, cartoon films and video games,” said Nandan.
Deepu from Kannur and Lakshmi from Thiruvananthapuram, both aged 12, would eclipse professional painters and artists. “What I found was that children without any initiation or coaching in these art forms excel their peers. Their works based on the topic which we gave at the spot turned out to be exhilarating, “ said Dr Meera.
Marine scientist-turned-painter Dr Ratish Menon describes drawing and painting as powerful tools for cognitive, emotional, and social development. “Art encourages children to think outside the box, experiment with colors, shapes and textures and develop unique ideas. Holding crayons, brushes, and other art tools strengthens hand-eye coordination and prepares children for writing and other tasks. It is a non-verbal way for children to express their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Creating something beautiful can boost a child’s self-esteem and sense of accomplishment,” said Dr Menon.
According to Aisha Foucik Kadukkapilly, a poetess cum motivational speaker, the painting and drawing competitions have the potential to increase a kid’s creativity and aesthetic sense.