Coimbatore’s first inclusive play area features wall panels with paintings by artist V Jeevananthan

The artist has done over 13 portraits as part of the series
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Artist V Jeevananthan has attempted various art styles and media over his expansive career: from film banners and digital art, to book illustrations and portraits. But nothing could have prepared him for his recent wall painting of the late VG Jagadeesh. Known lovingly as Jaggu in the city, he was tetraplegic, and was confined to a wheelchair throughout his life. Jaggu, who is remembered for his positive attitude, writing, and social activism, passed away in 2019 at the age of 27. Last week, Jeevananthan set out to do a wall painting of Jaggu in the presence of his parents. “I felt very emotional,” says the 68-year-old who is also a film critic and writer.

It was a setting that can unnerve an artist, but Jeevananthan managed to do it in his usual style, even as Jaggu’s parents recalled incidents from their son’s life. “Before I set out to paint Jaggu, we sent out an announcement asking people to come and observe me at work,” says Jeevananthan. The painting is part of a series that the artist is working on at an upcoming inclusive park and play area at Kalapatti.

A painting of Beethoven by Jeeva
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Done as wall panels, he has chosen to paint personalities from India and abroad who have thrived despite physical limitations. Jeevananthan has so far done 13 of them, including people such as Helen Keller, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vincent van Gogh, among others. “I will be doing around five more,” he explains. Jeevananthan takes up to two hours to complete a painting, and does it without grids or measurement. But working outdoors in the summer can be challenging, he says. “I see this as my contribution to a good cause as a lover of the city,” he says.  

Artist Jeeva’s painting of Jaggu
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

The inclusive park is being constructed by Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) with funding from Bosch, according to R Raveendran, RAAC’s secretary. “It will be a space for special and differently-abled children to play and interact with other children,” he says, pointing out that our cities lack such spaces. “As a result, special children end up spending most of their lives indoors,” he says. The park will have 33 play equipment, and will be spread across a little over one acre. It will also have a centre for art and craft called Art Abode where special children can try their hand at clay modelling, art, and origami with training from experts who will visit once a week.

Artist Jeeva
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

“Entry will be free,” he says, adding: “It will be a space for children to be happy. Here, no one will be treated differently.” The inclusive park will be opened later this month.