KOCHI: Beautiful images of boats, fish, fishing nets were always a part of Sreekanth Nettoor’s life. A village near the seaside where people are fishing and small fishing boats can be seen sailing have also been captured powerfully in his paintings. A series of these images have been displayed at the ongoing exhibition titled ‘Oradimannu’ at Bindi Art Gallery.
Born in a village called Nettoor, a village situated near seaside, the place was always an inspiration form him. “The cherished memories of my early childhood is always associated with my village. My village is a constant source of inspiration in my journey towards an artist,” said Sreekanth. He also speaks about the river, boats and boat yard in his neighbourhood . As his place is near to the sea they shared a closeness with the sea.
Recollecting the memories from his past, the artist said, “It was very common to go besides the shore and look at the dark sky and enjoy the twinkling stars and dwelling moon,” said Sreekanth. This perspective of viewing sky from the earth, and earth from the sky is often reflected in his paintings.
Fish and fishing are the commom images that reflect in his paintings. The fish that flutters over the continent, breaking all hurdles and hardships, is illustrated in the series named ‘Flying Fish’. Another series titled ‘Floating Fishes’ is a reflection of the sky on water.
This image is like a mirage and gives the viewer a sensation he is floating. Most of the artist’s paintings are poetic . The medium commonly used is acrylic, water colours and oil in shades of blue. The use of acrylic gives a more natural look to his paintings. One of his paintings which are divided into 16 frames is an abstract painting which provides an aerial view from the sky of the stars and moon to the earth with the images of the fish, turtles and snakes.
For his paintings, he has been awarded the Navodhana Sresta Puraskaram - 2017 by Navodhana Sanskrithi. Besides this, he has conducted many group shows and exhibitions in Kerala as well as in cities like Bangalore. He has been promoting many artists and is even helping students to exhibit their paintings.