Being born into an art-filled home, S. Shiny’s taking to art was not a surprise. Inspiring her at every step was her father K.R. Mohanan, who won a national award for his art and craftsmanship. “He dedicated his life to the world of handicrafts and sculptures,” Shiny says, as she gets her first individual painting exhibition ready at the Museum auditorium here.
Shiny says she always wanted to be known as an artist. Probably why she bid good bye to an 18-year-old career as a graphic designer and totally immersed herself in the world of paintings. She now teaches art Vrindavan Arts and Handicrafts, which she owns as well.
At the exhibition, 100 paintings of Shiny and her students are on display. Always inspired by the beauty of nature, Shiny’s paintings are mostly paintings are landscapes. “I want my paintings to spread positivity and smiles.” Shiny has tried to blend colours and her imagination to recreate the beauty of nature on canvas. Apart from landscape paintings, the exhibition also includes glass and mural paintings of her students. More than the quality of the paintings at the exhibition, what strikes is the passion of the young artists as seen on the canvas. The positive responses she is getting from the public is a recognition of her hard work for years, she says.
Shiny’s students are from different backgrounds and age groups, ranging from school children to IT professionals. “I have noticed an ardent interest in Keralites for paintings,” says Shiny. Most of the houses in Kerala will have at least a single piece of artwork. A mother of two, she feels her work, which demands patience, time and work, will not be possible without the support of her family. Her husband Mahindran R. left his job in Dubai and is now helping her with her work.
Aardra Padmakumar
