A camp and exhibition, “Colours of Paradise”, organised by Doha-based Friends Cultural Centre (FCC) as part of its Qatar Keraleeyam festival, attracted some of the prominent artists residing in the country.
The event was inaugurated by Mohammed Abdul Mu’ati, Director of Youth Creative Art Centre at the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
Commenting on the objective of the event, FCC’s Executive Director, Habiburahman Kizhishery, said: “This event was aimed at showcasing some of the finest works of local artists and painters, whose skills otherwise go unnoticed. The artists were also provided with an opportunity to share their experiences with each other so that they can polish their skills and expand the horizons of their knowledge. The workshop also created a great avenue for art lovers from the expatriate Indian community to appreciate the works of these eminent artists and communicate with them directly on different aspects of their works.”
As many as ten artists from India took part in the workshop. The subjects of their works ranged from the environment to expatriate life, climate change and other issues affecting the everyday life of human beings.
One of the participants, Shaji Chelaad, who has to his credit three Lalitha Kala Academy awards from Kerala, India, said the camp was effective in raising the level of awareness among the audience. “Many people were asking me about the intention and meanings of different artistic works, but what I explained to them was that my prime objective behind a work is to offer something entertaining for the audience. I’m not concerned much about its meaning or purpose,” he said.
Shaji’s works focused on issues like the mechanised life of people in today’s world as well as the nostalgia and loneliness felt by most people.
Prahladan, who is also a winner of a Lalitha Kala Academy award from Kerala, presented some of his creative works in the camp which focused on the impact of high-rise buildings. He wove an element of music into his work, offering the audience a different experience altogether.
Art teacher Santhosh Krishna’s installation work attracted a large audience, which was spell-bound by his illustration of an ordinary expatriate Keralite whose life is always a subject of hot discussion back home.
P M Sageer offered glimpses into nature through his work titled “Hopes and Dreams”, which focused on the importance of preserving flora and fauna. Basith Khan and Mahesh Kumar also offered similar sights.
Zayida Shameem Zakya, an artist from Assam, attracted the audience with her unique paintings. Her compatriot, Soman Pal from Assam, and Aditya Vikram from Chhattisgarh, who is a winner of the Birla Kala Kiran Prize, stunned the audience with their works on contemporary subjects.
Amit Majumdaran, from West Bengal, who won the Nandana Award in 2002, communicated a strong message with a bird that has lost its freedom and a face with a covered mouth.
The event was presided over by Mohammed Qutub, chairman of the governing body of FCC. Prominent playwright V S Sreekumar delivered a lecture on “Art, Life and Play.” Santhosh Krishna welcomed the guests and Suman Pal proposed the vote of thanks.
The Peninsula
