The paintings of Unni Shankar are spiritual and poetic. When you look at them, you will find only a few colours, chiefly green and blue, in different tones. That is Unni’s style. He uses fewer shades to create deep impact.
His latest exhibition at Draavidia Gallery in Fort Kochi showcases a few such works. The first one is a romantic couple done in pointillism. “Not many artists practise this style. It requires a lot of effort, especially when done on canvas,” says the Kochi-based artist. From this black and white plane, we are immediately transported to a colourful world where we see humans and nature in green and blue. There is a Shiva and Jesus Christ deep in meditation. In one painting, Shiva is ornated with snakes, whereas in the second one he is sitting on a misty mountain with the Ganga flowing from his head in the form of hair strands.
“The one in which Shiva is seen with snakes denotes the deepest form of meditation. Energy is oozing out of his body and hence he wears snakes,” he explains. “It is said that Jesus had been travelling between the age of 16 and 33. He was in the Himalayas for a long time spending time with the yogis there. And he returned to his land like a yogi,” he adds. This painting has been sent to the Pope as a New Year gift.
Unni was drawn to spirituality eight years ago after a deep meditation. His visits to various ashrams have strengthened the connection. He is also a traveller and his journeys have contributed to his works. For instance, his travel to Badrinath and Kedarnath inspired him to create the misty background for the Shiva painting.
Having begun his career as a photographer, Unni worked abroad for 20 years. Painting has been his passion since a very young age and he learned it by himself. He has sculpted the Ashokha Sthambam at the High Court and a few sculptures at the Naval Base.
The last set of works in the exhibition is graphic paintings that create an illusionary feeling for the spectators. One may feel the lines as lava gushing out of a volcano or whirlpool, at different points. “I want my art to make people happy. They should feel relieved after watching my paintings,” he says. The show at Draavidia is open till February 6.
