About my painting - The Essence of Kerala - Gods own country

About the painting - The Essence of Kerala - Gods own country [2022]

This Still-Life painting is a 36’ X 48’ Acrylic & Oil painting where I have tried to capture the uniqueness of the Indian State of Kerala

Moot point: Capturing the essence of a community whose members I have had the privilege of knowing closely

Kerala a coastal State in the Southern part of India is considered the most literate State in the country. Known for its refreshing lush greenery and welcoming people, Kerala is a vacationers paradise.

In this painting titled ‘The Essence of Kerala - Gods own country’:-

• Kerala has always been a prosperous State. The background is a glorious yellow orange to depict that.

• The table cloth is the quintessential cotton floor the dhurrie

• The Book titles speak of the unique qualities of Kerala 

• The wood elephant shaped bookend signifies the Pooram festivities where elephants play a big role. 

• Elephants were and still are nurtured among the Royalty and in the Temples in Kerala 

• On one side a replica of a wooden boat - The boat race in Kerala is called Vallam Kali, which translates to "boat play" or "boat game". It is also known as the Snake Boat Race because the most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams, or snake boats. 

• The state flower of Kerala is the Kanikonna (Cassia fistula), also known as the Golden Shower Tree

• The sparrows symbolise and  represent the Keralites and us as tourists. The sparrow to the right of the canvas represents the matriarch who presides over the traditional family structure.