Sasikumar Shangrila’s paintings are distinct from one another in every aspect, whether it be the intricate colour combinations or the meanings each one conveys. Each work has a distinctive identity that reflects the calibre of the creator.
The exhibition carries abstract as well as figurative paintings done in vibrant colours, through which one can explore the nuances of each work.
In one of the figurative abstract paintings, in which the theme is ‘Kathakali’, one has to explore the hidden motifs done in green and red. The texture of each painting is different depending on the strokes given to it.
There is a painting with a black and white colour combination, where subtle black brush impressions are given on a plain white canvas with an effect of grey smudges in between.
“Every painting is unique, and it is born out of pure emotions which an artist feels after being inspired by Nature,” says Sasikumar.
Each of his paintings carries varying patterns and each stroke has an aesthetic appeal that can be deciphered by a layman. Sasikumar says, “These strokes are a result of experience. Only through experience can one produce such work.”
There were two unusual paintings done using tea powder. “Nature is the guru for every artist,” he says. “Nature depicts the underlying emotions around us. Man may commit mistakes, but nature is always true”.
Sasikumar believes that an art piece can stay in the minds of art connoisseurs only when they can conceive its correct meaning. The appreciation that the artist gets from the viewers is the best reward.
“We cannot confine the present art pieces to any particular genre,” says Sasikumar. “Every painting undergoes tremendous transformation. Each art work is a part of a huge circle and one can observe an amalgam of art forms like cubism and impressionism.”
Sasikumar is a distinguished artist who has proved his mastery in painting, sculpture making, photography and documentary production.
His documentary film ‘Raja Ravi Varma’ based on the life and works of the legendary painter is an acclaimed movie that was screened at five international film festivals.
One of his famous paintings, ‘Confusion’, which got him the Kerala State Award, was created out of shadows that fell on his canvas, and from that his thoughts just developed into a elegant piece of art.