Artist Nupur Nishith painted the Animodule as part of a collaborative venture with Barat Foundation, NJ, USA who provided the 3Dimensional structure , Animodule with the message “We’re all in this together” as a tribute to all the people suffering from the pandemic due to COVID19.
Mode : Acrylic on Aluminium
Size : 4ft (h) x 2 ft (w)
About the Animodule
We”re all in this Together” Year 2020 has taught us the what we had never perceived and made us appreciate life and wellbeing in a fresh perspective. This animodule (3D installation) was handpainted highlighting the message for the pandemic in motifs of Mithila / Madhubani Painting. The painting showcases with various faces showing eyes as today with masks mostly eyes are visible. These faces are in various colors depicting various races all over the world who are all together facing the situation today.
The painting is inspired from the “Rules of Practicing Dharma (RIghteousness in Life) as per Hindu holy sect by Rishi Manu called Manusmriti. This situation with COVID19 has not only taught us the importance of physical health but also mental health. These rules of practicing Dharma or Righteous life, gain their importance even more during these tough pandemic times.
धृतिः क्षमा दमो-अस्तेयं, शौचम् इन्द्रिय-निग्रहः ।
धीः विद्या सत्यम् अक्रोधो दशकं धर्म-लक्षणम् ॥
It means 1. Dhriti – Courage 2. Kshama -Forgive 3. Dama – Self-control 4. Asteya – Honest 5. Shauch – Sanctity, Cleanliness, Pure 6. Indraiya-nigrah – Control of senses 7. Dhi – Reason 8. Vidya – Knowledge, Learning 9. Satya – Truth 10. Akrodha -Absence of anger, Patience
8 of these important rules have been mentioned on the 8 faces masks Dhriti – Courage, Kshama- Forgive, Dama – Self Control, Shauch or Swachh – Pure, Dhi – Reason, Vidya- Knowledge, Satya – Truth, Akrodh – Patience.
The style of art is inspired from the motifs of Mithila / Madhubani Paintings of India and Nepal.
Barat Foundation
The Barat Foundation is a 501(C) 3 not-for-profit educational corporation dedicated to the power of the arts to transform lives and to level the playing field for highly motivated, underserved youth. Founded by creative and entrepreneurial individuals Gary and Chandri Barat, the foundation has pursued and accomplished goals towards its mission: transforming lives by fostering a passion for learning and creative expression, through an interactive educational experience featuring cultural exchange, artistic immersion, humanistic values, and a commitment to each individual’s creative potential.
What are Animodules?
Animodules™ are artist facilitated, community created, contemporary totems. The collaboratively made public sculptures are a Newark original art form proclaimed by the Mayor’s office as the city’s Official Peace Ambassadors. They are instruments of community formation and encourage pride, ownership and stewardship of public space. Animodules™ are rebranding Newark as an international center of arts and culture and are currently on display at Newark Airport where they greet half a million visitors annually. Each year they march in the Creation Nation Art and Peace Parade bringing the vibrancy and voice of Newark’s youth to the streets.
Mission: To beautify public space, unite communities and empower under-represented youth though collaborative public art. “Public art by the public” promotes peace making through the arts, diversity, inclusion and creative place making highlighting a city’s unique history and culture. The Newark Animodule™ program serves as a model of civil rejuvenation through collaborative art that can be implemented in other cities and municipalities.
Brief History: From humble beginnings in cardboard and glue the Animodules have grown to become “Newark’s Official Peace Ambassadors”. Over 50 of these unique interlocking sculptures have been created with schools and communities throughout the city and a dozen are on display at the Newark Airport welcoming visitors to the NY/NJ metropolitan region and showcasing the creativity of Newark’s youth. Each year they serve as the backbone of the Creation Nation Art and Peace Parade marching through the streets alongside the artists and youth that created them.