Aishwarya Manivannan impressed the audience by demonstrating the beauty of silambam at the inauguration of exhibition of paintings Dynamic Energies of Existence by Thejomaye Menon at Sutra Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
She presented silambam in an unconventional manner highlighting the fact that martial arts can also represent other concepts and ideas connected with music, dance and energies of human beings.
“My focus was on women. We have very diverse characteristics within ourselves. We can be very feminine and sensual. At the same time we can be extremely strong physically and be real fighters. Similarly we can be doting mothers and also be aggressive and strong. I feel silambam encompasses grace and beauty and strength and aggression. So in that manner, silambam became a tool to represent the concept of painting,” explains Aishwarya Manivannan.
Aishwarya Manivannan (Photo: Romani Agarwal)
When asked about her future plans, she said, “I love documenting this art form. With experience in art and design and as a practitioner of silambam, I want this art form to reach a wider audience. People must understand it in a more holistic manner.”
“Over the last three years silambam has gained popularity among girls who are coming forward to learn it. It is a misconception that silambam can be learnt and practised only by men. Art form doesn’t have any gender and silambam is a perfect example. Healthy food habits make a difference. I ensure that I have protein, fibre and nutrients in my meals. I don’t take much sugar. I believe in balanced diet.”
