While the second phase of the installation of sculptures under the ‘Silpanagaram’ project continues, a debate on the public’s ability to grasp the interpretations conveyed by the sculptor casts a shadow over the project.
Authorities and sculptors unanimously agree that the culture of enjoying such works of art is missing.
The project is jointly being undertaken by the District Tourism Department and the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. Last year, 12 sculptures were installed at the Kozhikide beach under the project. Five new sculptures were installed last week, two more will be installed soon.
“The culture of watching and enjoying sculptures is non existent among Keralites. Sculptures are poetry carved out on stone. As any other art and literary work this form also requires a certain degree of understanding. A sculpture installed in a public place becomes a part of the culture. They need be admired and understood. This was the aim of Silpanagaram,” said District Collector K V Mohan Kumar.
The sculptures were built at a camp hosted by the Lalithakala Akademi last November. All the sculptors who participated in the camp were from the state. Camp Director Jeevan Thomas, Rajasekharan Nair, Anila Jacob, Nijeena Neelambaran, Rajiv Ramachandran, Pradeep Kumar and Valsan Kolleri were the sculptors who took part in the camp.
The sculptures built by Jeevan Thomas and Rajiv Ramachandran are the ones yet to be installed.
“Though India is famous for its umpteen collection of sculptures since time immemorial, the science behind the sculptures is yet to be popularised.
There is a political interpretation behind every sculpture.
These have to be discussed in public.
Sculptures should thus become an everyday cup of tea, like music and cinema.
This will take time but we will have to work towards achieving this,” said Jeevan Thomas.
‘Black Breath’ is a work by Nijeena Neelambaran which takes the form of a balloon.
This was her first sculpture.
“I am a painting artist. The sculpture is a continuation of my works in painting. It is about the contaminated air that we breathe,” said Nijeena.
Anila Jacob’s ‘Ambience’ is her interpretation of the beach ambiance. ‘The Gate of Invasion’ by Rajasekharan Nair represents an invisible gate at the Kozhikode beach through which colonial powers entered India. ‘The Car’ by Pradeep Kumar is a complete car which represents the aspirations of a society caught up in consumerism.
‘The slate’ by Jeevan Thomas depicts the denied right to education to many. Rajiv Ramachandran’s sculpture reminds one’s place in this world. Valsan Kolleri’s ‘Inakkal’ is about connecting the past and the present, the old and the new, and other contradictions