Students of Government Model Residential School, Wadakkanchery, Thrissur, painting a mural at Halleguwa House in Mattancherry | Photo Credit: Tulsi Kakkat
Manikandan P expresses himself best through the arts. Not long ago he began painting with poster colors and acrylics; Until then, he used sharp pieces of stone to carve attractive images on rocks and other surfaces. And elephant is his main business. All his paintings are centered around the animal and its various moods. Now that he has access to paints, he prefers to paint them black and sometimes pink. “I love elephants. I love making them,” he says.
Manikandan is a Class V student of Government Model Residential School for Boys, Vadakkanchery, and was among 19 students who recently came to Kochi to paint a mural. sea: a boiling potA multidisciplinary show by artists, academics and artists presented by art collective Aaji Archives at Kasi Haleguwa House in Jew Town, Mattancherry.
kids painting murals
Before the children’s visit, a 15×7-inch wall in the central courtyard of the gallery building was prepared and painted white. Cans of paint and brushes were arranged, which the children could use. They could paint whatever they wanted and what emerged at the end of two days was a stunning mosaic of forms, creatures and colours.
Managed by the Tribal/Social Welfare Department, the school was established for students belonging to various tribal communities in and around Thrissur and Palakkad districts. When Priya Keji took over as their drawing teacher, she found that most of the students were talented, but never got a chance to paint with colours. He bought them different types of paints and brushes and let them paint. Instead of instructing them, Priya gives them a free hand and is impressed with the results. “He made stunning paintings of animals, birds, nature and the people he saw around him. The works seemed like a reflection of his living conditions and his social customs. I felt that the way the paint was used All they needed to do was guide them, they are already rich in ideas,” she says.
Part of the wall. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Each student has their favorite themes or leitmotifs. For example, Sanju Sudheer, a Class VI student who hails from Malakkappara, makes hornbills. While the seventh class Bibin portrays man-animal conflicts. “Bibin cannot read very well, but he is fascinated by human-animal conflict and this is often reflected in his works,” says Priya.
The students have never visited any city; Most of them haven’t even stepped out of school. During school holidays, they go back to the forests where their families live. “The train journey from Thrissur to Kochi was an unforgettable experience in itself,” says Priya, who reached out to photographer KR Sunil, her senior at Thrissur Fine Arts College, who is part of the show. He pitched the idea to artistic director Riyas Komu sea: a boiling potWho felt that children deserve a space to showcase their talent.
“In a gallery space like this, where art lovers come from different parts of the world, a wall dedicated to the works of these children is the best display,” says Priya.
The mural will be on view until the end of April.