The Hindu Business Line : CGH group to promote Kerala arts

An artiste of Folkland, Thrikkarippur, performing `theyyam' at the inauguration of Mamankam, the art and cultural wing of the Malabar Cultural Association, at Fine Arts hall in Kochi recently. - Mahesh Harilal

Kochi , July 22

THERE has been a renaissance of the ancient art and culture forms of Kerala, thanks largely to the booming tourism industry.

"Mural paintings have been a unique art form of Kerala, with several age-old paintings being unravelled from behind whitewashed walls, wooden panels of temples and lofts of ancient households. This art blossomed during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries before going into decline. The famous mural painting at the Dutch palace in Kochi is a classic example. We plan to revive this ancient tradition and integrate it with other ethnic performing arts such as Kathakali and Theyyam to augment the tourism potential of the State," said Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director of CGH Earth group of hotels.

The group is in the process of inviting groups of artistes to visit its resorts - Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom, Kalari Kovilakom in Kollengode and Brundton Boatyard in Kochi - to savour the landscape of Kerala and paint their thoughts.

The group will assimilate around 150 such paintings, which will go on an exhibition around the country before finding a more permanent home in the ancient German village at Swabish Hall, well known for its vintage architecture, domes and churches.

"The art, architecture and culture of Germany is still preserved in its villages, while the major towns and cities were devastated by the bombings of the two World Wars," Mr Dominic said.

Tourism is a two-way process. The visitor to Kerala not only wants to take back fond memories of the State, its culture and people, but also wants a lasting interaction with the State. The prime reason why CGH Earth had got into a partnership with EcoLand Herbs and Spices of Germany, whereby CGH Earth will grow and export the exotic spices of the East in their organic form for German consumption.

As a natural corollary of this partnership, the Mayor of Swabish Hall will inaugurate a Indo/German cultural café in the village on July 28, where Kerala's organic spices, food, fine arts and performing arts will be on display. The paintings are expected to find German buyers, which will help foster greater recognition for Kerala's art forms and ensure better returns for the artists.

Mural paintings have most often been devotional in nature and the absence of rich sponsors had resulted in its decline. "Art is no longer the exclusive domain of devotion and worship. It has become an embodiment of universal leisure and pleasure in the 21st century. And we are attempting to free the unique art form from the clutches of its own creation," Mr Dominic said.

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