"I had been down since morning, no one came forward for help" said Joydeb Roaza, Tripura artist and art activist. Recently, Joydeb had posted a plea for help for the daughter of fellow artists, a young girl who had been afflicted with heart complications since birth. The collective of indigenous artists came together to sell their artworks, to raise money for the girl's treatments.

Art has created revolutions and created movements in the past and this time, an artist asks to appeal to the humane part of it. The patient had already been taken to Chennai for treatments, awaiting her first surgery. Since her parents did not want to resort to offering nothing in exchange for money, the artist troupe stepped in with they could offer, their art.

Art by Zing Mun

Joydeb has been part of the Hill Artist Group for 6 years now, currently acting as the General Secretary. The group comprises of indigenous artists based around the Hill Tracts, who currently contribute from different parts of the country. Found in 1992, the group has been working to spread the love for art to the hearts of indigenous people along with indigenous art to the masses.

"We have taken permission from all the artists and even decreased their original pricing, so that it appeals to people more" said Joydeb to The Daily star. Disheartenment was apparent in his voice when he expressed the disappointment that he felt at getting minimal responses, both from the local and indigenous community. When asked what could possibly be the reason behind the lack of responses, the artist replied, "We have yet to build the mentality to harbour art, people display photos of their loved ones in living rooms. They don't display art anymore".

Joydeb Roaza

Art doesn't only carry aesthetic value it carries stories. Such is the inspiration behind each of the pieces displayed for sell. The artworks displayed in Joydeb's Facebook post contain stories of colour, traditions and livelihoods; all of which are inspired from the indigenous community of the hill tracts. 

Art by Ronel Chakma

Similar traces are found in Roaza's own art pieces, many of which have been displayed in prestigious exhibitions. His art installation Submerged Dream 8, was grandly displayed in this year's Dhaka Art Summit. A visual and metaphorical play of the tragedy of the Chakma People of Kaptai Dam, the artist had been largely inspired by stories he had from his grandmother growing up. "I have seen many people visit the lake, but I wanted to draw attention to the pain that lay beneath that beauty", said the artist. Pulling on the thread from before, this time, buying an artwork that might save someone's life, is a story that should be told.

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