A Wall for your inner Child
A COMMUNITY PROJECT
KOLKATA, INDIA
Together with the residents of the Asharising elderly home, we painted a large artwork inspired by their childhood memories and lived under the same roof during this time. Deep and meaningful relationships grew with women who had been rejected by their families and, in many cases, spent their entire lives in challenging enviroments.
The artwork is more than a painting.
It is a testimony to dignity — a reminder of what it means to be seen, loved, and valued.
The room before we painted it.
“In my life I have never created anything beautiful. All my life I was sexually exploited and abused. This is the first time I am holding a paintbrush in my hand and seeing that I can create something beautiful.”
“The painting is very beautiful. My hands were shaking so much that I didn’t want to paint at first. But slowly I gained confidence and overcame my fear of painting – and that made me very happy. The painting helps me remember my childhood, when I cared for the goats and cows and took them out to the fields. I had a hard life. As a young woman, I came to the red-light district, where my aunt forced me into sex work with violence. When I grew older and was no longer ‘useful,’ I ended up on the street. Someone told me about Priya and this elderly home. Here I found a place where I am loved. When I sit here, I think: God is so good – he has sent all of you.”
— Mondula
