Sabari Venu’s Portrait Project for Wayanad
Sabari Venu, known as @meancurry on Instagram, uses his artistic talents to make a difference. After the devastating landslides in Wayanad on July 30, Sabari felt compelled to act. The tragic event sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some negative comments and apathy prevailing.
Disturbed by the lack of empathy shown towards the victims, Sabari decided to launch a unique initiative – a ‘portrait project.’ The aim was to encourage donations to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and promote solidarity in rebuilding Wayanad.
The Portrait Project Initiative
On August 3, Sabari made a bold announcement on his Instagram account with over 133k followers. He offered to create personalized portraits for anyone who donated ₹500 to the CMDRF. Little did he expect the overwhelming response that followed.
Within hours, Sabari was inundated with donation screenshots. In response to the unexpected demand, he raised the contribution amount to ₹1,000. People from all over the country, including Kerala, eagerly participated in the initiative, showcasing their willingness to support the cause.
Spreading Positivity through Art
The outpouring of support and generosity motivated Sabari to keep drawing portraits. Despite the challenges of managing his regular work alongside the project, Sabari remained committed to honoring every donation with a personalized artwork.
After completing portraits for 35 to 40 donors, Sabari temporarily paused the project to catch up with pending requests. The overwhelming response from donors eager for their portraits reflected the impact of his initiative.
Future Plans and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Sabari plans to resume the ‘portrait project’ in collaboration with another artist. This joint effort aims to meet the growing demand for personalized portraits while expanding the initiative’s reach. The contribution amount is set to increase to ₹2,000, reflecting the project’s evolution and popularity.
As inquiries pour in about the project’s return, Sabari remains grateful for the community’s support and looks forward to continuing his mission of spreading positivity through art.
For more information on Sabari Venu’s portrait project and how you can contribute or participate, visit Sabari Venu’s Instagram page.