Artist Thakare Naik with locomotor disability paints a world of his own

Thakare Naik with his works
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

There are numerous examples of differently-abled people who have overcome limitations to make a mark in their chosen field. Their struggles persist but they continue to pursue their passion. Here is one such inspiring artist, Thakare Naik, from the Lambada tribe, who found strength in art despite his physical limitations.

A freelance artist for 15 years, Thakare’s works have been exhibited as part of solo and group shows across India, including Hyderabad, Vadodara, Delhi and Kolkata. With meticulous attention to detail, his 16 mixed media works were showcased at the recently-held group show, ABC 6.0, in Bengaluru. Organised by Art Bengaluru Collective (ABC) at Rangoli Metro Art Centre, MG Road Metro Station, the multi-art exhibition featured works of 24 artists.

Tough childhood

Diagnosed with polio (right leg and a weak right hand) in his childhood, Thakare lived with his family — parents and three brothers — in Kalyanadurgam town of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. That life was tough for him is an understatement as he grew up in extreme poverty.

Unable to take care of the disabled child, his father left him at a government hostel for the physically challenged. With no interest in education and facing neglect, Thakare took to begging to fend for himself. “I became carefree. I used to beg near the bus stand and hotels and later spend the money to eat or watch movies. I thought this was the only world for me,” Thakare recalls.

This continued for 10 years until his brother and father found him at a market one day, brought him home and enrolled him in a school in Thimmapur.

Interest in art

Watching his teacher’s son Sudhakant practice art sparked an interest in Thakare to express creatively. He began drawing Science diagrams for his friends and soon became popular. The crutches he received in Anantapur also gave him a new life, as he could travel to other cities. After a four-year course in Tirupati, he came to Hyderabad to pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Telugu University. “During the interview, the teachers wondered if I will complete my degree,” recalls Thakare. But he did and went on to pursue Master of Arts (MFA) from Viswa Bharati University in Santiniketan.

Assistive products

Thakare expressed his feelings through art and many paintings done at Santiniketan were based on his life. Also, different assistive products — crutches, calipers, wheel chair, walkers, knee ankle foot orthosis, prosthetic devices etc became narrative elements in his works.

Be it an artwork of a superhero in a caliper standing tall between two buildings or a painting showing electricity lines supported by crutches, they are powerful statements on the positive impact of assistive devices. “One needn’t be born disabled. Physical disability can happen any time, either by accidents or illnesses, or, in the case of armed force personnel, on the battlefield. It is natural to feel depressed, but these devices can give a new life.”

The 46-year-old artist does not like to replicate imagery from photographs. He draws inspiration from his surroundings and paints on different themes. Although there are financial constraints, Thakare’s artistic journey continues with the same passion. He hopes to document the vibrant Lambadi embroidery, their festivals and unique wedding traditions through his art. “Disability is not the end of the world. It applies to only a body part while our mind is perfect. We can use it to create art.”