Green art show cries out to protect earth

I have been trying to raise awareness about ecological degradation through my art and spread the message of conserving fresh water species, says artist Rachna Chhachhi.

In artist Rachna Chhachhi's eyes, the earth is a "despairing woman" weighed down by natural woes.

"I have been trying to raise awareness about ecological degradation through my art and spread the message of conserving fresh water species," Chhachhi told IANS at the opening of her exhibition at the India Habitat Centre in the Capital.

Called "The Ugly Earth", the exhibition by the former journalist and now corporate social responsibility consultant has 13 paintings in acrylic colours.

Earth comes across as a woman stripped naked. She wilts at the shores of mountainous lakes, in strange forests, degraded land and on steps of fire. The proceeds from the show will go to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with which the artist has been associated "off and on" since 1993.

"Two years ago, Ravi Singh, the CEO of WWF saw my works and told me to do something to promote the cause of environment. The result is this exhibition. I have tried to portray earth in various stages of despair. Mankind has been abusing her in all possible ways and now she is turning her back on us," said Chhachhi.

The self-taught artist has been painting since she was 12. This is her fifth solo show. "Earlier, my themes were gender. I plan to do a series on children next," she said. She does not believe in art for art's sake. "Personally, I feel what is the use of art if it cannot convey a message. Without a message, viewing art is like looking at splashes of colour. I think all great artists have a message to convey."

The exhibition, which closes October 6, was presented by Bank On Art, a platform that offers art lovers and buyers a wider access. It has organised 12 shows across the country.