Sporting a disdain face she gawks at you, with a globe held close to her heart; behind her petite form lies a hamlet on pallid mountain ranges of Himalayas. Her intense almond eyes throws accusations at the viewer for her impalpable yet throbbing heartache. She represents the world, where childhood is no more cherished.
The mystique beauty of hoary Himalayan Mountains has been calling out to Sreeji Eerezha for years until he finally conquered the peak in 2007. The reminiscences of that journey have stayed with this artist for the past seven years. His attempts to capture the essence of Himalayas’ breathtaking beauty have transpired into 30 paintings in brilliant hues of blues, greens and yellows. Today, he is conducting an exhibition of those paintings at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan by the pertinent name ‘Sylajam’ (related to mountains).
From a vivid Prussian-blue milieu peeks the innocence of a child clinging from his mother’s shoulders; the mere ease of an old dame immersed in her chore resonates from another canvas. These vociferous but gentle works of art gives a free spiritual ride to the heart of Himalayas and its outskirts. Those who have been to the milieu should visit Samskrithi Bhavan to relive the experience and those who never had the luxury should do it to get the drive.
Sreeji depicts North-Eastern people and their clear-yellowish complexion and squinted eyes in heart-touching shades. These paintings succeed in evoking those hidden emotions in the viewers while touching a chord with them.
Sreeji, an employee at Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had his heart set in art from a tender age. Though self-taught, his strokes show a maturity that is uncommon in amateur artists. From giving a three-dimensional effect to his mountain ranges to simply staying put at his comfort zone, realism, this painter does try to experiment. Nonetheless, ‘Sylajam’ is dedicated to those who do not like intricacies in comprehending art.
“When I draw an image I draw what I have perceived but it may not be the same to a viewer. But here, I have tried to paint the images as I have seen and tried not to add anything to complicate it,” says Sreeji.
Though Sreeji has been painting for more than 25 years, this is his first one-man-show in the capital city. He has conducted exhibitions at his home town Mavelikkara and has gained recognition from around the state. The mesmerising mountain ranges, intoxicated Naga saints, cathartic landscapes, Sreeji’s ‘Syalajam’ has all the ingredients needed for a complete visual saga.
The function which was inaugurated by Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi of Santhigiri Ashram was attended by writer P Prakash, actor-director Madhupal and photographer N L Balakrishnan. The exhibition will conclude on Thursday.
