The exhibition of cartoons and photographs, going on at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery in Kozhikode, is a rare opportunity for art lovers of Kozhikode to see the works of some of the most talented cartoonists and photographers of the State on the same platform. The works had been shortlisted for the annual photography and cartoon awards of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi.
However, it does not escape one’s notice that there many repetitions, cliché images that take the charm out of the competition. There are at least five images of a traditional wooden boat and a man rowing it. The paddy planting and harvesting images are also aplenty.
Poignant images
The first prize winning photograph by Vishnu V. Nair, titled ‘En Kanmanikkurangan Ee Snehachoodu’ is, however, a unique one in which a girl is trying to shield a baby inside a tarpaulin sheet in heavy rain. The works by Damu Sargam and Praveesh Shoranur received honourable mention awards for their ingenuity.
The cartoons encompass a variety of themes from Mangalyan to New Year to Kiss of Love. Most of them are thought-provoking, interesting. Rajeendra Kumar’s award winning cartoon ‘Chattarambham Karishyami’ is on the irony of initiating a child into the world of letters while they have started using the social networking sites even earlier. TVG Menon’s ‘Enthinee Sulfan’ is a painful reminder of the use of Endosulfan and its harmful effects. ‘Vrithiyulla Nadinayi’ by Suresh E. is a critique on the BJP-led Union government. The latter two received honourable mention awards.
The exhibition that began on May 19 will conclude on May 26.
