Actor Sivakumar Critiques Challenges for Artists Growing up in India

Stamp collecting was a cherished hobby for many children, especially up until the 1990s. Although the primary purpose of postage stamps was to denote the cost of postal services, they also carried historical and cultural significance. Despite the advancements in technology, the Indian Postal Department has continued its services uninterrupted, preserving the bond between letters and postage stamps. To celebrate the journey of this department over the last 70 years, annual “Postage Stamp Exhibitions” are held, like the “TANAPEX – 14th State-Level Postage Stamp Exhibition” organized by the Tamil Nadu Postal Circle in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai. This event showcases rare stamps, key collectors, and coin exhibitions, with special guest actor-artist Sivakumar in attendance on the inaugural day, which was January 29, 2025.

Sivakumar shared a journey through his paintings, showcasing famous structures from Chennai to Kanyakumari in watercolors, revealing unknown stories. He reminisced about his days as an art student and his determination to showcase his work. He humorously recounted how he submitted artworks under three different names and addresses to get published in magazines. His artistic prowess eventually gained recognition, including from the iconic Kamaraj, who purchased his paintings to support student artists during the 1962 Indo-China war.

Sivakumar also spoke about the struggles of individuals in the arts. He expressed a wish to be reborn as a painter, albeit not in India, citing the lack of financial support for local artists compared to their overseas counterparts. Besides the main exhibits, the event also included discussions on conservation, history, and philately to educate young participants. The exhibition has successfully captured the interest of both art and postal enthusiasts alike.