Hosted at the Bhavageetham Prayaana Art Hub in Kowdiar, the ‘Bodies We Carry’ exhibition brings together seven artists to probe the physical, emotional, and cultural dimensions of the body. Through paintings, postcards, food installations and paper works, the show offers fresh perspectives on what it means to carry a body in contemporary India.
Key Takeaways
- Seven artists examine body as a physical, mental and cultural construct
- Multiple media – canvas, postcards, culinary art, and paper – intertwine to expand the definition of body
- Free entry at Bhavageetham Prayaana Art Hub, Kowdiar, until July 15
The Bhavageetham Prayaana Art Hub in Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, has become a focal point for art enthusiasts with the launch of ‘Bodies We Carry’. Curated by artist Sreekrishnan K.P., the exhibition challenges conventional notions of the body, positioning it as a repository of memories, dreams, and societal weight.
Curatorial Vision
Sreekrishnan, inspired after encountering Vineetha Wilfred's work at another show, selected artists whose practice resonated with the central theme. He explains, “The body is not limited to flesh; it extends to the narratives we carry within ourselves.” This guiding principle shaped the roster of seven creators, each offering a distinct perspective.
Artist Highlights
Vineetha Wilfred presents five acrylic works on paper that celebrate the female form as pillars of strength. Her piece “Wounded Beautiful Moment” captures a scar left by a cat, turning injury into a poetic statement of resilience.
Robert Lopez explores internal contemplation through watercolor impressionism, using abstract shapes and vivid hues to reflect his personal worldview on bodily existence.
Firoz Nediyath works with watercolor and pen on washed postcards, revealing hidden forms that evoke memories of places once visited. His paintings “Blossom of the World of Nude” and “Mermaid” intertwine nature with sexuality, suggesting that the body lives in the interplay of environment and desire.
Rahana creates meditative nature portraits washed in greens, echoing the mysterious depth of forests. Lalkumar K. documents his life as a government employee, using pen and watercolor to map bodily experiences onto the canvas.
Anu Kalikal offers a glimpse into a trapped psyche, visualising struggles with mental health through layered imagery.
Chef‑artist Shihab V.C. merges gastronomy with visual art, presenting a culinary installation on both the opening and closing days. His portraits underline sensory experience as an extension of the body.
Cultural Significance and Future Outlook
‘Bodies We Carry’ does more than showcase aesthetic talent; it sparks dialogue on gender, mental health, and ecological change. By integrating varied media, the exhibition signals a shift in Indian contemporary art toward immersive, interdisciplinary storytelling.
Visitor Information
The show runs from July 14 to July 15, 11:30 am – 5:00 pm daily, with free admission. Its open‑door policy invites audiences from all walks of life to engage with the evolving narrative of what it means to carry a body.