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Innovations in watercolours

"A watercolour of the sea in any of its moods is a challenge to an artist. The use of colours in different shades of dull blue-grey offers immense possibilities too while featuring the moving waves. So is the case while depicting a tree moving in the breeze. I have not used white or black in my watercolours of the sea," says K.K. Sanil Kumar explaining the details of a frame titled `The Sea' showcased as part of his exhibition of paintings now on at the Lalitakala Academy Art Gallery, Kozhikode.

Majority of Sanil Kumar's works are watercolours though he has used the acrylic medium too, reflecting the evolution of the artist to the more fresh and contemporary trends in art.

`The escape' and an untitled acrylic work in deep contrasts of black cobalt blue and red are examples, and the striking effect created when compared to his earlier works in acrylic where there is profuse use of yellow.

"My works are semi abstract. The greatest bane of Indian artists is that they are averse to innovations and experiment unlike their counterparts abroad. That is when art is in danger of being static," opines the artist. Many of the frames showcase the sea in cool shades soothing to the eye. One frame titled `A misty morning at Munnar,' is particularly noticeable for the ethereal beauty it evoked.

This is the first exhibition Sanil Kumar is organising in Kerala. He has conducted exhibitions in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Goa. He is an art teacher at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mahe.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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