The ex-students of Universal Arts School of Fine Arts, Kozhikode, have redefined the way of celebrating college reunions. After 15 years, they have come together to organise an art exhibition at Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery, displaying more than 50 paintings. The aim behind this initiative by the 1998-2000 batch was to relive the beautiful days through a medium all of them love the most.
The exhibition titled Colour Way turned out to be a confluence of various painting techniques and mediums. They will be using a part of the sales proceeds for charity purposes.
It became an unforgettable experience for some who had taken a break from art to fulfill their other responsibilities in life. The exhibition rekindled their creative skills. Said artist Prashob, “I had to switch to the advertising field and the first brush stroke after a long time was soul stirring. I have now decided not to give up art.”
Majority of the paintings reflect the social problems that we face including the killing of stray dogs, selfie obsession, suppression of women and corruption. “Our works are derived from our childhood memories as well as existing social issues. Each painting becomes an act of raising our voice,” says Mukthar Udrampoyil, who works as a sub-editor in a vernacular newspaper.
The idea behind the event was that of Joshi Perambra who specialises in carvings. The artists were given five months to create their works. “Everyone was enthusiastic about the idea. There were 28 people in our batch but only 20 could make it. We have plans of conducting more such exhibitions,” says Joshi.
The mediums used included water colours, acrylic and oil paint. The exhibition, which was inaugurated by their professors K.A Sebastian, Shivanandhan and Kumaran, will be on till October 6.
