On the map, Kodakara is a small, Nondesscrippt city in Thrissur district of Kerala. Best of all, the famous athippilly waterfall is located about 30 minutes away from it. My interest, however, when I learn a-lens-based artist and writer S. Through Hariharan’s social media posts-about the existence of two art museums in close proximity to this city. They are notable because not only two such areas are causing access and awareness about art and photography where such facilities are not available, but they are also taking such conversations beyond the urban elite.
Photomuse is located in adjacent Matathur PanchayatArt, history and science is dedicated to photography, and the love museum in Kodakara displays a collection of the themes around the concept of love. The Common Link: A photo artist, curator and medical practitioner located in Kodakara, Anani Krishnan Pulikal.
Anani Krishnan Pulikkal
When I Dr. When I meet Pulikkal, he offers himself as a doctor by noon – his practice is about 8 km from Kodkara, in his birthplace, Kodkara – and the artist for the rest of the days. Over the years, on his visit to India and abroad, he has been a regular visitors to the art museums. “I have always felt that art should not be banned for some select people. What about the people of my village [many of whom are from lower income groups]Shouldn’t they access? “Dr. Pulikkal asks, who has earlier talked about how this idea was held for the first time while visiting George Eastman Museum (dedicated to photography) in America. “He says.
Photomuse
Demonstration and exchange
A non-profit public charitable Trust established by the doctor, Picumuse run by The Better Art Foundation, is India’s first public photo museum. It operates from a small room in a rented building for more than a decade before opening a permanent museum in 2024. Its over 15,000 strong collections include antique cameras and photography equipment, antique prints, documents, books, negative, and more.
Antique camera in photomuse
Over the years, the museum has cured exhibitions with famous artists, and organized shows and exchange programs with foreign institutions-like current exhibition City as a dynamic location With Cleveland Photo Festival. Regular workshops are organized to create awareness and empower the local community through photography. The museum also brings an annual photo journal, and is now working towards organizing a photo festival in November, which is the first time in the region.
Visitor in photomuse
The museum, which receives between five and 10 visitors on any day (with increasing number of holidays and travel to school or college groups), is supported by 40 mentors who pay annual donations of each or more or more or more. Last month, in the recognition of its work, photomuse received a grant of 1 lakh from the Kerala government last month.
all for love
The Art Museum of Love, which was opened last year, Dr. Pulikkal is a passion project. Located on the Thrissur-Kochi highway, it displays pictures, folk art, sculpture and photography associated with the celebration of love in various visual art traditions. “I have been collecting art for more than 20 years, and I wanted to share it. It is an attempt to remind people about the ubiquity of love in all the cultures of the world,” he says.
A performance in the Art Museum of Love
It has exhibition galleries and a beautiful outdoor cafe with a nearby space for discussion and gate-tooths. But, do local people go? “a lot [at the moment]But change takes time. It may not be overnight, “he says, the museum is preparing to host two exhibitions – a photography and another picture.
In Art Museum of Love
“The landscape in the West is very different because going to a museum is an accepted cultural activity and part of their education and upbringing, so those comparisons are not appropriate. But I’m not in any hurry. I am sure they will come and I am ready to wait.”
The author is a critic and cultural commentator, and the Flame University, in Pune.
Published – 17 April, 2025 03:40 pm IST
