A mural shows a slice of Kerala

Eight artists from Kalady depict multiple facets of Kerala in a large mural at ‘Lokame Tharavadu’, an art show at Alappuzha

The site of ‘Lokame Tharavadu’, an ongoing contemporary art exhibition at Port Museum in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a striking mural. Painted by eight artists over four days, the 60x15 feet art work is a busy mosaic of varied images. From coconuts to fish and other things in between, every image in the painting reflects an aspect that defines Kerala. Organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, ‘Lokame Tharavadu’ features works of over 260 Malayali artists from India and abroad. It will be on till May 31 at six venues — five in Alappuzha and one in Ernakulam. The mural at the Fort Museum is of a snake-boat full of people, flora, fauna and random objects. The artists say the idea is derived from the biblical Noah’s Ark, and adapted to reflect the present socio-political scenario in the State. The seemingly disconnected images are a pointer to Kerala’s religion, politics, identity and cultural standing. “It is an artistic interpretation of the Malayali ethos and is intended to make viewers stop and think,” says Pranav Prabhakaran, one of the artists.