When butterflies flutter for peace....

By Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI, MARCH 3.

Caught somewhat inextricably in a spectre of violence, peace is an obsession with the Colombian people. Such is the Colombian craving for peace that artists have given up other topics to articulate this ``elusive and vehement aspiration of fellow countrymen'' in their creative meanderings.

Peace is the message that has been woven into the cultural package which the Colombian President, Mr. Andres Pastrana Arango, brings along with him during his three-day visit to India next week. And, serving as the Colombian ``torch-bearer'' for peace will be ``Butterflies''.

No, not, real ones, but equally colourful reproductions on canvas by Maripaz Jaramillo. In fact, the President himself acknowledges the role of these butterflies as ambassadors of peace in his introduction of Maripaz's exhibition: ``These butterflies of Maripaz come from Colombia and we want to make them fly across all friendly nations. They carry the key to our hopes and the struggles in which our whole nation is engaged.''

Echoing the same sentiment in an informal chat with the media at the residence of the Colombian Ambassador here today, Maripaz said these ``butterflies are for peace''. Besides showcasing the variety of butterflies that her country has, the 22 paintings, she explained, run deeper.

``They represent the hope which flutters in every Colombian heart. Also, butterflies mirror Colombia which is a beautiful and colourful country. But, sadly, like the butterfly -- which has a short life -- the lives of many Colombians is cut short by violence,'' said Maripaz, adding that the art circuit in her country has always tried to counter violence through their works.

Nodding in agreement, the Colombian director and now a member of the country's diplomatic mission in Moscow, Luis Alfredo Sanchez, chipped in: ``It has been a long-standing tradition in Latin America for intellectuals and artists to address the violence that is tearing our society.''

As for film-making in Colombia, Sanchez said it was tough being a film-maker in his country as very often the director had to double up as producer and distributor. ``The Government tries to help us make films, but just does not have the money for it. So, we have to depend on funds from overseas,'' he said pointing out that his two films that have been brought to India as part of the eight-film-package were co-produced by the French.

Making matters worse for Colombian film-makers is the Hollywood machinery which practically hogs the exhibition space in Colombia. ``Unlike painting or writing which need very little investment other than the artist/author's own creativity, cinema needs a lot of money. Without a market, we are unable under the existing circumstances to find the funds that are needed for any celluloid venture,'' rued the man who like many other creative Latinos is now championing the cause of his country elsewhere.

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