The march of time mows monuments, changes scenes, discards people, alters lifestyle and banishes memories. Artists catch time on their board, perpetuating precious details. That’s what young Sujith V.T. from Pattimattom has done in his second show, Jalardram . In this he captures the “fast disappearing South Indian village scenes,” something very close to his heart.
Carefree life
Images of a regular household in the countryside are thus brought alive. The carefree clothesline, pet dog in chain, the clever cat in wait, a proud rooster on the wall, ammoomma in the doorway, betel tree rising high in a blue sky, bundle of leaves, roughly built brick wall, small birds of different hues and the traditional mud house are just some of the warm images of a green, quiet, slow and carefree pastoral life.
The endearing serenity in the works is a visual treat. But then time is to soon ravish these images, according to Sujith, who graduated in arts from RLV College, Tripunithura.
Treasuring time
The traditional mud house will give way to a fancy abode, the greenery will make way for tarred road and life itself will change. But the artist will have his images and the times that he preciously treasures.
So close is the subject that Sujith has given the brush a touch of his heart. Each image feels real, deep with emotion.
The chained dog looks longingly at his food plate, the cat is waiting cunningly to make the next move, the clothes fly in gay abandon pinned on the clothesline, the old lady walks with a stick, the pepper vine is rich and thick, the grinding stone is a warm image of food and the red bicycle against the wall are fabulous recreations of scenes rare in urban life. The brevity of such a lifestyle weighs on the heart, but the beauty of the scenes has the viewer charmed.
Watercolour
Sujith uses the medium of watercolours to great effect, controlling the fluidity of colours adroitly.
Beautiful shades of green, blue, yellow and red are blended and the medium-sized works are comfortably priced starting at Rs.3,500.
The show is on at Art Corridor Gallery, Jew Town, Mattancherry and concludes tomorrow.
