Sanjay Sundram - Visual Art
The Teach Your Parents project
Learn, paint and show your art at the Trinity gallery, Ottawa, Canada.
Background: Climate change (or more correctly the Climate emergency) is upon us. It is often discussed in scientific publications or brief news articles, that are not seen by most children. This is unfortunate and unfair because young people are going to be the most affected. The climate emergency will certainly get worse as they grow up.
The Teach Your Parents project provides climate change information to young audiences. In this instance, Ocean warming, a key aspect of climate change is presented. Children/youth are encouraged to learn, observe the changes in their surroundings and think about possible climate actions. They document their understanding through paintings or illustrations, some of which will be exhibited in a prestigious art gallery in Ottawa. The project is intended as an initial step to spreading awareness and motivating readers to learn more.
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See how Phase 1 is turning out! >>>
100 paintings displayed at the Trinity galleries.
Project details:
Trinity Art Gallery, Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Canada (Salon A & B)
Concept Sketch
​Painting topics, size and colours:
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What should I paint?
Please read the comic below to understand the Ocean’s present state and how it affects all of us. Choose any one of the following topics for your painting/illustration:
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Option 1: Make a painting of the ocean. Perhaps you can show something you have learned from the comic. (Ask yourself: Do I want to paint how the ocean might feel? Can I show how the ocean reacts to climate change? Will there be sea creatures in my painting? Should I make a realistic or an abstract painting or more of an illustration? Which colour scheme will fit the mood of the painting better? It is all up to you. You can paint the ocean in whatever way you like.)
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Option 2: Make a painting that shows the effects of global heating. Have you noticed any changes around you because of global heating? You could ask an adult about how things were before. You could also draw a scene from the comic, but don’t copy the comic. Paint the scene in your own style. (Example: There are many ways to paint a flood or a storm. Paint it in a way you like. Use colours.)
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Option 3: What can we do to reduce climate change? Paint/illustrate your suggestion.
What should I paint on?
You can paint on any one of the following:
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On Canvas: Size- 14 inches (width) x 11 inches (height). If you can’t find that exact size, use a size similar to it.
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On Paper: Size- Use a A3 sized sheet in landscape format, or use 14 inches (width) x 11 inches (height).
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Using a computer program (digital image): Size- 1920 pixels x 1080 pixels.
​How many paintings can I submit? Is there a submission fee?
You can submit as many paintings as you like. There is no submission fee.
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​Painting labels:
Feel free to sign your painting. On the back of the painting please write or stick a label with your name, grade and school.
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How do I take part? What is the deadline?
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Step 1. Read the comic or watch the video, then make a painting.
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Step 2. Once your is painting ready, take a picture of it. You can use a phone or a scanner.
Step 3. Fill in the submission form below, and upload the image of the painting for selection.
Deadlines: The 1st deadline for this project ended on Jan 20, 2023. The 2nd deadline for submission is Feb 27, 2023. But don't wait till the last minute! Paintings selected from submissions after Jan 20 will be displayed digitally at the Trinity gallery.
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Between 50 to 70 selected paintings along with names of the young painters and their schools will be displayed at the Trinity Galleries, Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Canada from February 9 to April 18, 2023. They will form a part of Sanjay Sundram's "Emerge" exhibition there. The opening reception/vernissage is on Sunday, Feb 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. This project is supported by the City of Ottawa.