The Chitrangan exhibition at the Kerala Lalitkala Academy Art Gallery in Vayalopalli Sanskriti Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, brings together the works of 15 artists – both trained and self-taught, curated by Bengaluru-based artist Sarthak Tyagi. By presenting a wide range of genres, media and topics ranging from personal exploration of emotions Malayalized Portrait of Frida Kahlo, the exhibition emphasizes diversity and integration of different artistic voices.
The exhibition is organized by Kalashala, founded by curators to bring together experienced artists and self-taught artists on a single platform. The organization has organized five exhibitions and will organize two more exhibitions in February and March in Goa and Bengaluru respectively.
Work
Aparna Nandakumar’s Seeking Redemption is a rendition of a sacred grove where her ancestral temple is located. The grove is currently inaccessible, resulting in a unkempt appearance. The artist finds beauty in his surroundings, the grove displays a mysterious glow despite being neglected. . Aparna says, “I have tried to convey an inner meaning that even if there are no devotees or no supporters to lift you up, if you have the inner determination to grow, you will shine. The temple is maintained by nature.”
Aparna Nandkumar’s search for salvation. Photo Courtesy: Nainu Oommen
His other works include Meenakshi Sundareshwar’s paintings of sculptures inspired by the Khajuraho sculptures and a work titled Transcending the Template. In the latter, inspired by the South Indian tradition of hanging palm leaves during auspicious occasions, the leaves are shaped like birds, representing the social roles that people play in life.
Arun Shyamala Kumar’s works depict Malayali men and women wearing traditional attire. The diversity of clothing and accessories represents different socio-economic identifiers such as caste. Presence and absence of gold Kasavu The brocade on their costumes and jewelery in the paintings further underlines the economic gap that the artist tries to explore.
Works of Arun Shyamala Kumar Photo Courtesy: Nainu Oommen
Arya Suresh’s Picking the Mask depicts five types of shringara used by Kathakali characters standing with a woman. “This work shows that a woman must choose between these masks every day to survive,” says the artist.
Frida Thampuratti, a portrait of Arya, was born out of his desire to see Frida Kahlo, a world-renowned Mexican painter. Thampuratti Or a Malayali elite woman. “She was a feminist; her ideas were very brave for her time. I appreciate how she broke the mold in terms of life, by living on her own terms.”
Frieda Thampuratti, a picture by Arya | Photo Courtesy: Nainu Oommen
Sindhu S Nair’s work, Sahasraksha, is an illustrated depiction of the story of how Lord Indra gained 1000 eyes on his body. Sindhu says, “Indra became infatuated with Ahalya, the wife of the sage Gautama, and had illicit relations with her. In anger, Gautama cursed Indra with 1000 female genitals on his body. Embarrassed, Indra went into solitude. When the other gods request the sage to take back his curse, he agrees to transform them into eyes.” The mixed media work is a combination of Hindu mythology with contemporary art.
Sahasraksha and Maya by Sindhu S Nair | Photo Courtesy: Nainu Oommen
Sindhu’s other works include Panchavaktra, depicting the five faces of Shiva, and Maya, a work on optical illusions.
Works of Anupama Ramachandran. Photo Courtesy: Nainu Oommen
Anupama Ramachandran’s three works, Change, Transform and Hope, reveal the artist’s emotions. “I’m an intuitive painter. I paint what I feel. I’m also a healer; the concept of healing through painting fascinates me. It’s just whatever I’m feeling at the time. I start by doodling and work on that concept. It may change as I’m working on it.”
The Chitrangan exhibition continues till January 25 at the Kerala Lalitkala Academy Art Gallery, Vayalopalli Sanskriti Bhavan.
published – January 24, 2026 09:12 am IST