Artist Thackeray Naik paints one of his own world with locomotor disability

Thackeray Naik with his works. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

There are many examples of different people who have crossed the boundaries to create an impression in their chosen field. Their struggles continue but they continue to carry forward their passion. Here is an inspirational artist who is the Naik from the Lambada tribe, who got strength in art despite his physical limitations.

The works of an independent artist, Thackere for 15 years, have been displayed as part of single and group shows across India, including Hyderabad, Vadodara, Delhi and Kolkata. With detailed attention, his 16 mixed media works were shown in the recently held Group Show, ABC 6.0 in Bangalore. Conducted by Art Bangalore Collective (ABC) at Rangoli Metro Art Center, MG Road Metro Station, 24 artists have been worked out at the Multi-Art Exhibition.

Hard childhood

Work by Superhero- Thackeray Naik in a caliper. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Polio (right leg and a weak right hand) was diagnosed in childhood, Thackeray lived with his family – parents and three brothers – in Kalyanadurgam city in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. This life was difficult for him because he grew up in extreme poverty.

Unable to take care of the disabled child, his father left him in a government hostel to challenge him physically. With no interest in education and facing neglect, Thackeray begged to beg for himself. “I became careless. I used to beg near bus stands and hotels and later spent money to eat or watch films. I felt that it was the only world for me,” Thackeray remembers.

It continued for 10 years until his brother and father found him in the market one day, brought him home and enrolled him in a school in Thimpur.

Interest in art

Pen drawing by Thakere Naik | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Seeing the art of his teacher’s son Sudhakant practice, he created interest to express creatively in Thakre. He started pulling the science diagram for his friends and soon became popular. Baisakhi found in Anantpur was also giving him a new life, as he could travel to other cities. Following a four -year course in Tirupati, he came to Hyderabad to carry forward the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Telugu. “During the interview, the teachers wondered if I would complete my degree,” Thackeray recalls. But he chased the Master of Arts (MFA) from Vishwa Bharati University in Santiniketan.

Auxiliary product

Electric lines supported on Baisakhi … Work by Thackeray Naik | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Thackeray expressed his feelings through art and many paintings in Santinicate were based on his life. In addition, various auxiliary products – crutches, calipers, wheel chairs, walkers, knee ankle legs orthosis, prosthetic devices, etc. became narrative elements in their functions.

It is an artwork of a superhero in a caliper that stands tall between two buildings or a painting that has power lines supported by Baisakhi, they are powerful statements on the positive effects of accessories. “No one needs to be disabled. Physical disability can occur at any time, either by accidents or diseases, or, in the case of armed forces personnel, on the battlefield. It is natural to feel depressed, but these devices can give a new life.”

Work by Thakre Naik | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The 46 -year -old artist does not like to repeat Kalpana from photos. He takes inspiration from his surroundings and paint on various subjects. Although there are financial hurdles, Thackeray’s artistic journey continues with the same passion. He hopes to document the vibrant lambdi embroidery, their festivals and unique wedding traditions through his art. “Disability is not the end of the world. This applies only to a body part while our brain is correct. We can use it to create art.”