Those who check in to the Cochin International Airport in the coming days will be in for a visual treat. The wall of Terminal 1 is adorned with a 115-metre-long and two-metre-high artwork that depicts magnificent sights of Kerala. Artist Ajayan V. Kattungal from Alappuzha, who spent six months to complete the work, says it aims to give a sense of relief to the travellers. “Those who look at it should feel rejuvenated and get a fair idea about the state,” says Ajayan.
The project, which is done under the theme Haritha Keralam (Green Kerala), is devoid of images of buildings. “That is a conscious decision. The idea is to project the green side of our state, not the concrete jungle that poses a threat to nature,” he says. “It was V.J. Kurian sir, managing director of CIAL, who suggested the idea of Haritha Keralam. Shabeer sir, director of Civil Department, and KITCO too played important roles in accomplishing the work,” he adds.
Ajayan has travelled to all districts in Kerala to find out apt references for the work, which has elements representing each district in the state. However, they are not the typical landmarks. “Lakhs of people, who will watch the work, should not be disillusioned. That has been on my mind. Alappuzha was easier for me as I have good memories about my native place. Land, sea and lake — three elements of Alappuzha are shown there,” he says. “Importance is given mostly to agriculture and greenery. Like I said, we have excluded high-rise buildings,” he says. “The entire work is done in the post-impressionist style with big colourful strokes. The sky is treated in a different way. It is painted yellow to bring a colour contrast. On a closer look, it will look abstract in form. Move a few feet behind, you will see a different dimension. Also, I have used the techniques such as drawing, painting, graffiti and wood carving for this piece so that the viewer will not feel monotonous,” he adds.
Also, certain areas are embossed to give a fresh dimension to viewing. Though he uses different mediums, it never stands out. He has merged them likewise. “That was a challenge. Another challenge was to let the viewer move from one district to another without any jerk,” says Ajayan. Not just a landscape, his work has humans, animals and other elements that constitute nature. The work is expected to be opened in the second week of February.
