‘THE AIM OF ART IS TO REPRESENT NOT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF THINGS, BUT THEIR INWARD SIGNIFICANCE.’

-ARISTOTLE

In the modern-day multicultural ethos, while the “global village” has shrunk closer, it has also become a cauldron of conflict. Art has been for ages recognised as the most congenial bridge between differing cultures and civilizations. Aesthetic values have transcended the boundaries of differentiation created due to artificial constructs and value systems by mankind against mankind.

Humane values are embedded in every individual, though in some they may be latent or less pronounced than others. Art offers a powerful means to invoke these humane values and to forge a closer relationship between cultures and communities. Paintings, dance, music, films, literature, theatre, and many more verbal and non-verbal expressions falling within the domain of art have sublime conflicts and brought people together.

To quote Susie Hodge, ‘Influenced by its social, political, religious, and economic environment, the purpose of art constantly changes. Art expresses and emphasises a vast diversity of emotions; beliefs, and ideas, such as beauty, truth, hope, death, life, chaos, or order’.

‘A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOR EVER.’

–JOHN KEATS

Habiart Foundation has been involved with the promotion of contemporary art since 1989 with the mission of:

• Understanding the power of creativity as a means of communicating ideas
• Bringing about socio-cultural change by transforming attitudes and perceptions of people through various forms of arts.
• Exploring new avenues of creative expression, collectively as well as individually. Seminars, Art events and interdisciplinary methods will be used, parallel to the latest technologies in digital art.

The initiative “Art for Peace and Amity” is a small step towards a giant goal of making the beautiful gift of life from the Almighty an experience worth living. The destruction of violence and conflict could be avoided if we became aware of its menace. The same energy can be used for constructive, meaningful, and lasting creations. The instinctive capacity for creation and imagination, mainly in the young minds, if suppressed, can become destructive. “Art for Peace and Amity” is a platform to unleash this creativity for the benefit of all. The collection displays how meaningless violence has harmed us and conveys the message of peace and amity for a better future for future generations.

Since 2008, Habiart has promoted Art for peace and amity. Along with Bryan Mulvihill, Habiart organised the World Tea Party at Travancore House under the leadership of Rekha Mody, To quote her, ‘The initiative aims to gather like-minded people in art as well as create awareness about tea-related works of art and artefacts, the history and development all over the world, art of traditional and ceremonious tea making and much more.’ Bryan Mulvihill known as the Tea Man across the globe, organised the first tea party in 1993 at the National Gallery of Canada.

Art for Amity’s fourth edition Curated by Isha Mody Patodia, it is aimed at spreading the language of peace and amity through visual art. As a non-verbal communication, the paintings leave a great deal for the viewers to ponder and conclude.

There are over 40 artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, photos and serigraphs.

Akbar Padamsee, Akhilesh, Bose Krishnamachari, Dhiraj Chowdhury, Jatin Das, Krishen Khanna, M.F. Husain, Rameshwar Broota, Robin Mondal, Rini Dhumal, Thota Vaikuntam, and Vasundhara Tewari Broota to name a few. Further, from the studio of Triveni Kala Sangam, 13 artists will also be using the platform to display their works.