Minon John needs no introduction. The actor-cum-artist, who had won the National Award for Best Child Actor for his debut film 101 Chodyangal in 2012, is back to the world of colours after a four-year gap. His 69th exhibition ‘Meet my art’ going on in Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi, highlights the exceptional talent of this young man.
“After I became an actor, everyone forgot that I am an artist. So, it is after four years that I am meeting people as an artist,” says the 18-year-old, who, along with his sister Mintu, are being homeschooled by their artist parents John Baby and Mini.
Painting was something he started as a hobby, but later went on to grow stronger as a passion. “When I started painting, it was all black and white, then I shifted to multicolour and each work was like rainbows, with every colour in it,” he laughs.
Minon’s first exhibition was in 2008 – on October 2 at Lalithakala Akademi, Thrissur. As the artist matured, his art works reflected it, “Now, I use just two or three colours in each painting, even if it depicts social issues, human life, animals or birds. I try to use colours in their maximum purity, without mixing with each other,” says Minon, who decided to hold the exhibition at his friends’ behest. “Even my parents are guests here,” he says.
Minon’s paintings, in acrylic, depict emotions on the faces of artistes, family members, people he has known. One of those has the face of himself and his sister; another one of his 101 Chodyangal director Sidhartha Siva. More than thirty of his art works are on display at the venue.
Minon’s idol, like many, is Pablo Picasso, though he would say he is still learning and has a long way to go. “I’m a self-taught artist and haven’t taken lessons from my parents or any other artists.
Everything derives from experiences. I attend many exhibitions, read books and travel a lot. I’m happier to be known as artist than an actor,” says Minon, whose talents extend to craft, sculpting and film making too.
An artist, he says, should be political. As he puts it, “Leading a political life is one’s responsibility. I want to become a political artist and explore more realms. I haven’t decided what to do next, but whatever it is, I wouldn’t delay to chase my dreams and will definitely achieve it.”
The exhibition will go on till Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
