After both legs lost in blast, Michael finds solace in art works
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 31 2013: "To an artist, the words of appreciation given by art lovers are priceless.

However, mere appreciation from the Government is unacceptable.

Artists do need money in order to bring out good art works.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi does not value artists despite holding the portfolio of Art and Culture'', artist Konthoujam Michael told Hueiyen Lanpao in an exclusive interview yesterday.

Michael's remarkable works in painting, collage and crafts were displayed in a two-day solo art exhibition held at Nupi Lal Complex from July 29 to 30 .

A graduate in fine arts from Imphal Art College, Michael is the son of Konthoujam Mohon and Bimota of Sagolmang in Imphal East district.

He has been passionate about art since childhood.

He has won several prizes at various state and national level art competitions.

His recent first solo art exhibition could draw hundreds of visitors, who were really impressed with his works.

artist Konthoujam Michael

Some of his achievements include gold medal in collage at the 24th Inter-University National Youth Festival held in West Bengal in 2009, and Life time State Craft Award 2011-12 conferred by Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.

More than 17 awards are in his name, but he is still unemployed without any regular source of income.

Though Michael grew up as an abled person, his destiny had made him something different.

He lost both legs in a bomb blast that occurred at Pourabi in Imphal East on December 16, 2007 .

On that fateful day, he along with some children from his locality were returning home in a bus after participating in a painting competition held at Imphal Art College on the theme of "Peace" .

He remained unconscious in the hospital for several days.

No one ever thought that he would be alive.

Seven persons were killed and more than 30 people got injured in the blast, Michael said recalling the gruesome incident.

"I still feel the pain and suffering of that fateful incident.

However, I find peace and solace in my art works.

It's like I am reborn just to continue my passion for art", he said looking calmly at his works.

The young artist lamented the negligence of State Government towards the welfare of artists.

He said that the artists can develop far better if the State Government makes policy for giving honorariums and other assistances to them.

The exhibitions organized by State Kala Akademi once or twice in a year would not provide ample opportunities to artists, he added.

Michael further appealed to the authorities concerned to take up policies for the welfare of artists as well as disabled persons in the State.