KOCHI:For artist-author Maniilal Sabrimala, art knows no bounds and its expression is significant irrespective of the experience and nationality of its creator. This was the inspiration behind the foundation of Anokhii, an international fraternity of artists to promote upcoming artists, both Indian and international, and to open new platforms for their work sans hierarchies of any kind.
“In all the shows I had been a part of, I observed a categorisation of artists based on their seniority. Hence, I was inspired to start something to bridge this gap between artists,” says Maniilal. Anokhii stands to promote and uplift amateur artists and give them more opportunities in the world of art, including a global forum. “I lived outside India for many years and have travelled to many places to conduct exhibitions and attend workshops. Therefore, I had contacts of artists from all over the world, which made Anokhii all the more possible,” says Maniilal, founder and director of Anokhii.
Born and raised in a village near Sabarimala in Kerala, Maniilal lived in Bhutan for a long period as a teacher. Now a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, he has conducted over 55 painting exhibitions and 25 solo shows, internationally, in countries including UK, Nigeria, Sweden, China and France, to name a few. He marked his debut as an author with the launch of his book “Absolute”, based on painters and paintings of twenty-six countries. The synopsis behind the book rightly describes the context and relevance of such a book in the contemporary times. A part of it reads, “Charlie Chaplin once said that nobody lives long enough to be anything but an amateur. This expression unequivocally applies to artists, for creating art is a continuous process of learning and discovery. My desire is to arouse creativity and evoke a feeling of depth by bringing the plethoric wealth of art into this book.”
“It took me close to one and a half years to compile all the information and produce this book. ‘Absolute’ features the works of African, American, Asian, European and Middle-Eastern artists, including that of both veterans and newcomers. Thus, it will give the reader an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the traditional art forms of different countries and will enable the study of variations in art, in terms of style, composition, etc. In short, it will give you a quick cross-section of the World Art,” says Maniilal.
The book, which includes accounts of noted art historians and art personalities, was released on Wednesday at the Press Club by Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and is available globally at www.notionpress.com.Renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman and actor Urmila Unni was also present at the event.