Although I missed writing about this particular day of great public health interest on the day it actually took place, it was good to see the Indian corporates come up with an innovative way to celebrate this event. As I said in a previous post, this day needs more publicity because more and more cancers are becoming preventable now. In what I think is a unique endeavor, High Street Phoenix, the Mumbai shopping mall, is creating an event to spread more awareness about this disease and the day.
They have asked Simon Smith, a UK based sand sculptor, and himself a cancer survivor, to create one of his masterpieces at their premises. Oh by the way, you should totally check out Simon’s Facebook page for some fantastic examples of his work. Here is one that just left me dumbfounded in its grace, details and dexterity. Is it just me or does this work of Simon’s remind you of the Hogwarts castle from the Harry Potter franchise? I love the details in the work, down to where the cement has chipped off to expose the underlying bricks.
Simon is now building his latest work at HSP in collaboration with Sand Cult (a sand sculpting company) and Cancer Patients’ Aid Association (CPAA). The creation is set to be on display till 12th February and the organizers are welcoming donations of any kind in order to support the cause of the art, artists and the patients of this killer disease.
Here is a glimpse at what the Mumbai masterpiece of Simon looks like:
While one may argue that this might just be an advertising stunt to gain eyeballs by the HSP, I think this is simultaneously serving the good purpose of raising funds and awareness in the battle against cancer. If you are in Mumbai and have the time and inclination, do drop by to check this wonderful work of art out.
Although I would have loved to have seen this work of art personally, unfortunately, geographical and time constraints prevent me from doing the same. If you do drop by please let me know what you think of this and maybe share some images (of higher quality) with me.
Hat Tip: Thanks to Rajavi from Foxymoron for tipping me off about this event.