The exhibition of 14 paintings at the Lal Village Art Gallery in Kanjiramkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, does not come under a single theme. The 14 different thoughts seen in paintings, sculptures and photographs bring to mind the contemporary and the olden days. More than the themes, the goal of the exhibition is what matters the most. The artists have come together with an aim to form and spread an art appreciation culture among the people in the capital.
Sculputre by Satheesan V.
Vincent S., an artist and the curator of the show, is of the opinion that an art appreciation culture is yet to flourish in Thiruvananthapuram.
“This show intends to enhance that culture. As many as 14 artists from Thiruvananthapuram to Mahe participate in the show that started on September 11,” says Vincent.
Painting by Rama Chandran
“Lal Village Art Gallery comes under the institution Ananda Kalakendram. It is situated in a village. Besides the gallery, there is a studio. They organise art camps and film screenings there. We think this exhibition would mark a good beginning towards art enhancement,” he adds.
Painting by Vincent S.
A.K. Gopidas, Biju Lal, Divakaran N., Jagath Thirupuram, Karakkamandapam Vijayakumar, Ponmani Thomas, Rama Chandran, Raveendran Puthoor, Robert Lopez, Santhosh R.V., Satheesan V., Shibu Shivram, Sreenandan T.K., and Vincent S. are the participants.
Interestingly, all works are untitled. Even that is done with a purpose. “We have left no description at all, for it would limit the thoughts of the spectator. We want them to come up with their own interpretations,” elucidates Vincent.
Artwork by A.K. Gopidas
Each artist presents one of his artworks in the exhibition. If Biju Lal’s photograph shows a village life, the loud colours in Ponmani's painting indicates a conflict in mind. Ramachandran has adopted a surrealistic approach in his work. What makes the painting of Jagath distinct is the geometrical patterns used to depict the God’s own country.
The metal sculpture by Satheesan V. portrays a family that consists of father, mother and child. The mother is pregnant and the child carries a toy. Sreenandan T.K.’s carving on clay, which shows a dhoti clad man holding a basket on his head, will make the visitor a bit nostalgic.
“We are happy about the positive response, which is a good sign,” says Vincent.
The exhibition will be open till October 18.
