Art in public spaces is not new to denizens of the city. The walls of University Stadium, Kanakakunnu grounds, Mascot Hotel, Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, and Thiruvananthapuram Corporation have become a canvas for many eminent artists. Now, a group of artists are unleashing their creativity on the walls of the heritage boathouse at Vallakkadavu, which is being converted into a biodiversity museum by Kerala State Biodiveristy Board (KSBB).
A group of teachers and students of College of Fine Arts Thiruvananthapuram are working on the project based around the theme of biodiversity. “This is another attempt to bring contemporary art close to the people. The common man is moving away from art and art institutions and we have taken this as an opportunity to take art to the masses,” says Tensing Joseph, artist and Principal of the College of Fine Arts. Other faculty members on the project are Chandran T.V., Lal K., V.Jayachandran and Abhilash Das.
Biodiversity in its myriad forms find expression on the walls of this majestic medieval structure, which used to be a nerve centre of commercial activity in erstwhile Travancore. On one side is the expansive form of a blue whale, with the ocean bed teeming with different creatures and plants drawn inside it.
An art work on the walls of boathouse at Vallakkadavu
“When we talk about biodiversity, we often tend to forget about the marine life, which is so rich and a valuable part of our ecosystem. So we were very particular that the vibrant life under the ocean has to be featured on the walls,” says S.C. Joshi, chairman, KSSB.
Another wall comes alive with arboreal biodiversity, specifically groves that are considered key for biodiversity conversation. The groves blend with paintings of different species of birds, animals, reptiles and fruits.
All about nature
Varied habitats and geography of the state are depicted in the art works. “The artists working on this project come from different parts of Kerala and so are exposed to different kinds of geography, flora and fauna of the land. This diversity is reflected in our works. But the key aspect was bringing in a harmony among them,” Tensing says.
Art work on the walls of boathouse at Vallakkadavu
He himself has portrayed some important symbols related to agriculture, such as antelopes, grains of paddy, earthworm… “Studies and research related to agrarian history have unravelled many myths and interesting aspects. We have used contemporary art language to portray them, which, at the same time, is simple enough for people to understand,” he explains.
Chandran, meanwhile, has showcased flora and fauna in a thematic way. His brush has also captured the co-relation between clouds, rain and water, and the mangrove habitat.
Art work on the walls of boathouse at Vallakkadavu
Students from the college who are working on the project are Nithin K.P., Midhun P.P., Vishnu Vinod and Vysakh K. “We start work only in the evening because it is very difficult to work during day time under the hot sun. The work goes on even after midnight,” Lal says.
Now that the work on the museum is going on in full swing, the KSSB is hoping to open it soon. “It is envisaged as a one-stop place for information on biodiversity and a model centre for creating awareness about conserving it. It is being set up in such a way that people from all walks of life are benefitted,” Joshi says.
Interactive kiosks is a significant feature and they can be accessed by all. The museum will showcase panels, and ‘Science on a sphere’, which is a 3D projection system that will give real time data and information about biodiversity across the globe.
A close encounter with people and places in the city
