THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The paintings of septuagenarian artist Omanakuttan aka Geeyo Pillai carrying the message to stop violence reflect the experience and maturity possessed by a retired drawing teacher. The 25 works on canvas in acrylic and oil paintworks put on display at the Museum Auditorium titled ‘Ma Nishada’ speak of the futility of brutal attacks. Brooding over diverse and serious issues that terrified humanity, he has chosen his favourite medium to convey them to the art fraternity.
“Brush and paint are my tools. Through them, I just wish the message can reach out to masses,” Omanakuttan says. From the absurdity of war to the ill effects of liquor consumption, the artist has tried to convey a lot many topics in his paintings.
In one of his works, two men are seen killing each other in the name of religion and politics and another one sucking the blood dripping from of them. The artist explains the theme behind it.
“The fight between men is symbolic to the deadly encounter between two goats. The one who is benefited out of their wrath is the wolf, who is represented by a third man sucking the blood.” Symbolism seems to be at the core of his mission. If he portrays the evil of ragging female students in colleges through ‘Panchali Vasthrakshepam,’ the victory of wisdom over peace is displayed through the brutal death of a dove. For depicting world policing, he has chosen a common man who is trampled under the heels of a policeman and it goes on.
His experimentation with figure studies, portrait painting and replications of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings too find space amid the display. ‘Gajendramoksham’, an acrylic replica of the wall painting in Kayamkulam palace, a drawing on Last Supper and a mural work on Annapoorneswari reflect his diverse taste.
Omanakuttan has devoted his post-retirement life for full-time painting. He has travelled all the way from Krishnapuram in Alappuzha to display his works of art in the city. The exhibition will conclude on Sunday.