Charm of rural life

Shakir Eravakkad’s ongoing solo exhibition, titled Gramyam, features scenes from the rural India. Art director, illustrator, cartoonist and photographer, Shakir has displayed his collection of paintings, which are the reproduction of the visuals that were imprinted on his mind while travelling. He has captured on canvas the rustic beauty of women from various cultural backgrounds in the country. “These are not from my imagination, but are my memories. One can still find those picturesque settings in various parts of the country. One just needs to try to observe them,” says Shakir, hailing from Palakkad district.

In his paintings, he has tried to portray  rural women from a different angle. One of his works, a state award-winning painting, showcases the pathetic situation of contemporary Indian women.

A cartoonist with a clear political stand, he believes that posters and cartoons are the best way to make the people aware of social illnesses, political violence as well as injustice. 

He also does what he can for the flood-hit with the help of social media. He says he wants to talk to the world through art. 

Writer Shoukath inaugurated the expo on Thursday. He opined that the artist has created the simplest and delicate forms of rural realities. “These are all prevailing sceneries from our surroundings. Shakir's works do not mourn over lost village beauties, but mark their presence and bring them to us.  They help us appreciate the cultural diversities that India boasts of.”

The exhibition is on till Tuesday at Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi.