ALAPPUZHA: What began as a journey of discovery turned into a life-altering experience for Sylvie Bantle, who found not just love, but a home on the serene shores of Chettikad, Alappuzha. Now, months after her passing, her husband, Alexander Devasia, is transforming their shared dream into a museum of art in memory of their extraordinary bond.
Born in Munich, Sylvie’s wanderlust brought her to Kerala in the 1980s. She met Alexander, a native of Padinjarekalayil, Punnapra and their connection was instant and profound.
“We met in Kovalam in January 1992. She had been travelling widely, studying the cultural diversity of countries,” recounts Alexander. “She was captivated by coastal village life, and our bond deepened.”
Sylvie was an accomplished painter and ardent scholar of the German language, who also delved into Egyptian mythology and astrology. In Kerala, she became equally fascinated with Indian astrology and traditions.
Their love culminated in marriage in 1999, and in 2004 the couple purchased a piece of land in Chettikad, near the ocean. There they raised a house that they lovingly named ‘Sylviander House’ – a portmanteau of their names.
Sylvie passed away last September aged 69. As per her final wishes, she was laid to rest in Chettikad. Nature was the underlying theme of the funeral rituals. Alexander paid further homage by building a tomb on the compound of their home.
And, in keeping with Sylvie’s vision, Alexander has now made space within their home for an art museum, which will soon be open to the public. “She always dreamed of converting our house into an art gallery. She couldn’t make it happen during her lifetime, so I am fulfilling it now,” he says, overcome with emotion.
The museum will feature a wide collection of Sylvie’s paintings and selected works by Alexander, who himself is a trained artist with a postgraduate degree in painting. Part of his professional life was spent in Germany, where he worked as chief artist at prestigious institutions, including the Residence Theatre and the Cuvilliés-Theater in Munich.
Together, they spent years immersed in art, literature, and cultural exchange. Sylvie also authored nine novels and numerous plays, and she was an acclaimed art critic in her country. Despite her immense achievements, the final chapter of her life was a tribute to Chettikad.
The Sylviander Museum, which stands as a quiet testimony to love, creativity, and the beauty of going with your heart, will be unveiled to the public on April 13. The gallery will be open on all Saturdays and Sundays and entry will be free, Alexander said.