Friday Review
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Art of communication
MANU REMAKANT
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Swathi Jai Kumar’s works try to capture the dialogue between man and nature. It is the story of struggle and existence.
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Photo: S. Mahinsha
Abstract frames: Two works by Swathi Jai Kumar.
Swathi Jai Kumar’s exhibition of paintings at Vylloppilly Samskriti Bhavan seeks to highlight deep insights through simple means. For instance, the artist throws light on the sad state of certain indigenous art forms of Kerala with a few pieces
of crab shells and red Theyyam faces etched on them.
It all began on one evening when Swathi visited Parassinikadavu Muthappa Temple in Kannur district, which is famous for its Theyyams.
“After leaving the temple, I was strolling on the banks of the adjacent river when I saw some empty crab shells bobbing by.”
The half-decayed shells seemed to him a fitting background to portray the plight of the Theyyams and their practitioners.
Linking a story
“Moreover,” says the artist, “you can’t think of the crab without thinking about the zodica sign Cancer.” And then you think about the ‘cancer’ that affects traditional art forms such as Theyyam. The link is made and the story is finished.
Swathi’s works also try to capture the dialogue between man and nature. It is the story of struggle and existence. Titled ‘Metamorphosis,’ the exhibition showcases 23 works, including digital paintings, drawings and a few installations. A couple of charcoal paintings stand out in sharp contrast. Even though Swathi resorts to computer graphics and installations, the artist says he prefers painting to other expressions as it is the most eloquent art.
He has used Photoshop and computer graphics to help him with the paintings. The exoskeleton of a gigantic crab imprinted with the red eyes of a Theyyam artist is a riveting work.
Some are abstract, but the essence and the mood are the same. Asked why his paintings were all done in small frames, Swathi blames it on lack of funding. “Big frames take big money,” admits the artist. But Swathi doesn’t compromise on his commitment and responsibility to society.
“Art should try to conveyl something to the people,” believes Swathi. “At the beginning I dallied in abstract art and surrealism. Soon I evolved by understanding the importance of communication.”
‘Metamorphosis’ shows us that the artist has reached a happy blend where surrealism and abstract art shake hands with the art lover. “If you have successfully communicated your message, half the job is over,” says Swathi. “I participated in many group exhibitions in the past, but this is my defining work.” He plans to hold the exhibition in other major cities in Kerala.
Swathi is working in the creative section of Keltron Animation Campus, Thiruvananthapuram. ‘Metamorphosis’ is his second solo exhibition.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
