THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cultural contribution made by Kanayi Kunhiraman is unparalleled; he has taken art to the public, said noted filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. He was speaking while inaugurating a photo exhibition on the artist and his works.“Kanayi has astonished us all by crafting amazing sculptures in concrete. He used a material which served no other purpose than in construction and sculpted stellar works of art from them,” said Adoor.
The Kanakakunnu Palace grounds resonated with an otherworldly charm as it bore witness to a series of programmes tailormade to celebrate the sculptor. Culture Minister A K Balam inaugurated the programme to honour the artist on Monday.
The state was honouring the master sculptor who is turning 80 this year. A series of programmes to celebrate the artist and his works started off here at Kanakakunnu grounds. A dance dedication to the sculptor’s artwork ‘Sagarakanyaka’ was also held. The year marks the 50th anniversary of his ‘Yakshi’ sculpture in the Malampuzha garden, as well.