A Chronicler of Simple Events

Kochi based painter N.N.Mohandas indulges himself in finding the truth value of simple imageries seen around him. Smitha Namboothiri visits him at his studio in Kochi and tries to explain what he feels about his art.

NN Mohandas

He has a considerably consummate skill in portraying simple subjects. His workmanship capabilities are quite synonymous with the eastern classical style of art. He is Mohandas, a Kochi based artist. He attempts to explore the vast potential of the classical style of painting. Influenced by both the modern and the ancient Mohandas believes that the traditional indigenous style has got a great potential. His works encompass not the abstract and subdued colouring of the contemporary western artists, rather he prefers the detailed representation of objects, typical of traditional Indian art.

And for this artist, painting is more a personal affair than something to be discussed widely. He describes himself as an artist who loves to keep his work simple and easy for everybody to understand. "I believe my works are appealing to all sections, from laymen to art critics. But I don't want a plain reading of my works". At a first reading, Mohandas' paintings are pleasant and quite, but for a serious onlooker they portray some more serious and complex issues.

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And most of the paintings in his studio, both finished and incomplete, are definitely in the simple zone. Surprisingly, what Mohandas said is 'please don't make a complex review on my works'.

Talking about the various streams in the modern contemporary art he said, “I am not opposed to the so called plurality of 'post modern' contemporary art and its various dimensions. Of course, globalisation and the social changes have a very positive impact on the art world. But I strongly believe that the classical/traditional style of Indian art has great potential which is yet to be explored by artists. Though I respect the multidimensional perspectives of post modern art I prefer to work on the simple classical style of our own". According to the artist, an indigenous painting style, which is entirely different from that of the modern European style, has to be evolved in our country.  

Mohandas believes that art is self sufficient and would be able to sustain without any art galleries and exhibitions. And he tries to be different from the predefined norms and 'schools' of art and dislikes to travel through the preset tracks. "I would prefer to be independent from the predefined styles of art. We have to work for an indigenous and independent art".

Mohandas' paintings are rich with the abundance of familiar figures like birds and animals than abstract forms of drawing. 'Pigeons', the series of paintings of Mohandas reflects the artist's simplicity and characteristic traits. Themes or subjects are less significant for Mohandas. "What an artist paints is of less significance than how he paints. Artist can paint anything natural beauty, still life or objects", Mohandas reveals his views. "Even pigeon is not a specific theme for me to symbolise any serious idea. Birds are a different appearance of life and that is why I like to paint them.”

According to the artist, a complex theme is not needed for painting; rather he believes that an artist can communicate serious ideas through simple subjects. "Art has its own language and needs no support of literature to communicate. A painting would be able to express its own", he remarked. Still, the artist is not entirely opposed to titling of paintings. "Sometimes, titling can have a deep impact, but again there are works that can't be titled through words", feels Mohandas.

Talking on the various art movements and their degeneration, Mohandas said, "Art movements are specific to certain periods and are necessities of that particular period. Such movements were always just topics for discussions.

Various movements in the art world have never degenerated, they have a continuation and the process is still going on. And these movements are strongly linked with social changes and practices. Like any other art form, painting also has a strong base of social practise, feels the artist.

"Grading of art and artists is something unknown to Kerala society. Our people are yet to be trained in appreciation of good art works and artists. The society in metros like Delhi , Mumbai and Kolkata can differentiate good art works as they are familiar to artists and exhibitions.” 

Though not having exhibitions, Mohandas is working upon his favourite subjects for quite a long time. Mohandas' works have been showcased in several metros.