KOZHIKODE: Friends, colleagues and admirers of late artist Santhosh Nilambur came together, here, to conduct a five-day painting exhibition in his memory. The programme was organized in connection with the three-day theatre festival namely Paper Boat Theatre carnival slated to begin on April 26. Mukthar Udarampoyil, one of the participants, said that Santhosh was a great friend to them. "He was a humble person whose world was full of colours. Though his paintings were mostly abstract, his ideas were concrete”, he said. “The impression he created on everyone known to him is beyond words. It’s been two weeks since he left us. But his paintings shall make him immortal”, he added.
Couple of paintings on display.
The exhibition is conducted as an introduction to the theatre carnival. Son of Nilambur Balan, a renowned theatre personality, Santhosh Nilambur was a regular face in the world of art. “Human beings are not yet serious about their forceful interventions in nature. Through my paintings titled ‘Flowers and Boots’, I wanted to portray the alarming situation.” said Johns Mathew, a popular artist. “The unjustified restrictions on freedom of expression are intolerable. When I paint, it is only about me and my colours and nothing else. I can’t allow a third party intervening in it”, he added.
Paper boat comprises around 25 people who are art enthusiasts ranging from theatre artists, writers, teachers, painters, social workers and art lovers. Two dramas which became popular in the ITFOK (International Theatre Festival of Kerala) and other drama festivals conducted in various parts of the country will be staged at the theatre carnival. Also, the ‘Oorali’ band which has their unique style of raising a voice against injustices will be performed on the final day of the carnival”, said Artist Sunil Ashokapuram.
