Of all the several statues of Don Bosco, the founder of the catholic order of Selasians, this one at the Don Bosco Institute at Gawauhti located on a hill, at the banks of river Bramhaputra, is most telling! It is different in appeal because the sculptor seems to have encrypted the mission of Don Bosco in his art work.
The student is held firmly by the hand of Don Bosco, which is a symbol of drawing him close to himself. That is what a genuine teacher does to communicate love and affection to a student, similar to Jesus of nazareth said, ‘come and see’, to those who came enquire of him. Don Bosco looks intently at the face of the student whose gaze is fixed on him. This visual engagement is symbolic of acceptance, affirmation and belonging. There is a deep sense of engagement in a beholding look. Don Bosco is drawing his attention to the future by lifting his other hand. There is a endearing smile on Don Bosco’s face.
Don Bosco was known to be a friend of young people, who came from disadvantaged situations. His mission was to transform young lives by caring for them, educating them and opening opportunities for their future! He lived close to them emotionally and socially. In fact, there are legendary stories of how he used games and sports to attract children for leading them to a formative journey in life!
I sometimes wonder whether some of the art forms are vague and diffuse! Some people use art forms to convey anger, confusion and uncertainty. But when we come across art forms which are powerful even more than words, they stand part in character and value.
I wonder whether we can use wall pictures, inscriptions, etc in common places that can hold people’s attention because they say something unique that resonates with the truth of life and living!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
No comments:
Post a Comment