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Straight works of art

T.L. John's exhibition of paintings and photographs at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery is proof that there is quality life after 60

ART TALK Artist T.L. John in front of his work at Durbar Hall Art Gallery. PHOTO: MAHESH HARILAL

The saying that life starts after 60 really holds well for this artist cum photographer. All of T. L. John's exhibits at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery have been done after his retirement from University of Kerala in 1997.

He describes himself as an artist who loves to keep his work simple and easy for everybody to understand. `There is no point drawing abstract painting where neither the artist nor the viewer can understand the whole theme.'

Well, most of the paintings were definitely in the simple zone. Some were subtitled, mostly to make it easy for his viewers, while other didn't need any. He believes that people look for happy reflection in fine arts unlike in literature.

Most of the works reflected nature in its various hues and colours. The sun, the sea, and the landscape were his main elements. `It is easy to create imaginative paintings, but not realistic images.'

Having worked as an illustrator and photographer for the departments of marine sciences, botany, aquatic biology, fisheries and zoology of the University of Kerala, it is but natural that these elements are part of his work. Since his official duties involved accurate drawings and photomicrography, John admits that even his paintings have that touch of detail so much so, that some of them look like photographs. After all he has illustrations of 75 Ph.D theses to his credit.

While one section of his works was paintings numbering 32, also on display were photographs, about 100 of them. It was like walking into `Salim Ali section.' There were birds, rare birds and more birds.

The photographer had spent a good time pitching tents (portable hides), folding chairs, packing food for the day which included starting in early hours to snare those birds on still camera. Most of the photos were taken in sanctuaries and nearby forests where migratory and rare birds make their appearance. `Most of the photos were one-time shots,' I've not gone back for a retake. I did a lot of reading and surveying before I went to take snaps.' The one common feature among John's birds was that they weren't in flight. `It's difficult to freeze such moments on camera as the slightest noise would have them fly off', he explained.

The rest included a combination of festivals and beautiful landscapes, the latter, a common theme in both mediums.

While most of the paintings on display were done since his retirement in 1997, John's photographs have been taken in the last three years. He says that the decision to exhibit his works came from the enthusiasm of his students.

SUDHA NAMBUDIRI

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