mural camp

There is a flurry of activities centered on the museum auditorium.
Working on a specific project entitled Mural Painting Camp-2006 as part of the renovation of Sri Chitra Enclave, 14 mural artists from all over Kerala have gathered at the venue. They were exploring on the themes to express socio-cultural and historical dimensions of Travancore from 1200 AD.

The subjects chosen are milestones in the Travancore history which brought back the old memoirs hitherto available only in print.

Mural works are never realistic before. Modernity is inevitable, for art is not static. But the emphasis seems more to strike a balance between the traditional genre of mural works and realistic themes.

“Indeed it poses a challenge and would better equip the artist to face the changing scenario. The work would be an interpretation of historic subjects in the mural style. It can be called as an amalgamation on ancient with the modern” said Saju Thuruthil one of the participants.

According to Prins Thonnakkal and Sadanandan “the process of creativity is intrigue. We were unaware of the themes and hence had no preconceived ideas. Themes were allotted after a draw of lots. After studying the subject we are creating a grammar of our own”

The journey of the brush dipped in a coconut shell till it touches the surface starts on a different note. This is what an ordinary viewer gathers from a passing glance. The subjects reminded the power of monarchy, the coronations, war, surrendering of the kingdom to the lord, the solemn an imposing pageantry, the court of scholars, the proclamations etc.

“These young artists have spent nearly two decades creating aesthetic spaces in panchavarnam” said Omanakuttan, Dept of Museum and Zoo. “The renovation of the Sri Chitra Enclave was proposed two years ago. The public has nothing much to see at the enclave besides a few photographs. We wanted to exhibit some thing related to the history of Travancore. The idea of depicting historic milestones in murals was planned. The artists welcomed this novel theme and have agreed to assemble here” he informed.

There are limitations too. “Period costume and background are essential for the true depiction of history. Generally mural artists have a tendency to exaggerate. Here the artists have to restrain from such essaying. These works will be provided with all the privileges of a museum piece. Copying them is prohibited” he added.

By next week frozen frames of historic themes with dimensions 6x4 ft would adorn the Sri Chitra Enclave. Advantage visitors-you would know more about the ancient history of this part of the land.

The other participants are Suresh MUTHUKULAM, Ajithan Puthumana, Krishnan K S, K U Krishnakumar, Suresh K Nair, k r Babu, Gopi Chevayur, Basanth Peringodu, Unni Amakkavu, Girish Malayamma and Suresh Kunnungal, Appukuttan Kottappadi is the co-coordinator.