At ‘Unbound’ art exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram, the mortal and the magical mingle
Showcasing 25 acrylic and water colour paintings inspired by artist-writer Jayakrishnan’s Chithrakathayil Avante Bhoothangal, the exhibition offers an independent interpretation of the text
In Mary Samual's debut exhibition, 'Unbound', the boundaries between the mortal and magical blur amidst Nature's embrace. The Malaysian artist's 25 paintings, inspired by Jayakrishnan's Chithrakathayil Avante Bhoothangal, a magical realist graphic novel, are currently on display at the Alliance Française de Trivandrum in Vazhuthacaud.
Curated by filmmaker K.P. Sreekrishnan, the show was not conceived with a specific plan, but rather a serendipitous connection. Ms. Samual's journey into art began during the pandemic, as she took classes for three years, ultimately finding her voice as an artist. When a friend introduced her to the novel, a particular scene sparked her creative spark.
Ms. Samual painted six artworks inspired by this scene, with one depicting a character navigating a stormy sea on a boat constructed from roots. When Jayakrishnan admired the painting, he approached her to illustrate another scene, leading to the completion of 25 works by September. These acrylic and watercolor pieces, paired with passages from the Malayalam novel and their English translations, share recurring motifs like shadows, flowers, turbulent waters, and an ongoing dialogue between the living and the metaphysical.
Despite an initial plan to exhibit together, personal circumstances prevented Ms. Samual from attending the event, but her artistic journey continues. Visitors can view 'Unbound' at the Alliance Française de Trivandrum, Vazhuthacaud, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until September 23.
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