Vibrant terracotta creations
THE COLOURS conjure up the earth and creation in splashes of greens, oranges and burnt mud against dun-coloured background. The shapes of "Kumbham" terracotta could be free flowing, folk, classical, stylised or myth-based with forms coming to life as perfectly turned jars, pots and urns, murals, compelling masks or as utilitarian objects like light fixtures, mirror frames, trays, kitchen and tableware, name plates and tiles.
K. B. Jinan and his team of Aruvankadu potters take terracotta back to its original decorative, functional avatar, permeating every facet of life style. Kerala-based Jinan is an engineer and ex-NID designer as well as a passionate espouser of spontaneous creativity. Of "de schooling and breaking away from colonial and western mind sets of creative expressions." His dream of working, as he puts it, "with people who are rooted in their culture, are spontaneous and without controls," came true when he chose to work with the traditional potter community of Aruvankadu in Nilambur in Kerala. Jinan also helps the craftspersons create their tools and designs.
The "Kumbham" range delights with its variety and perfection of craftsmanship. There is a choice of vibrant coloured tiles. But the most eye catching of all are the giant murals celebrating leafy trees, a herd of elephants, rural landscapes and most lyrical of all, Krishna playing the flute amidst his beloved cows. The Exhibition of Terracotta from Kumbham will be on view at Ambience, 37, Bheemanna Garden Road, R. A. Puram till March 14 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
PUSHPA CHARI
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