‘Ganga,’ featuring works by Yusuf Arakkal and his son Shibu Arakkal at Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation

Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation is proud to showcase ‘Ganga’ an exhibition of works by Yusuf Arakkal and his son Shibu Arakkal in two starkly contrasting mediums. The exhibition is on display at the Foundation premises, Mezzanine Level, 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, Bengaluru 560001 and will remain on display till 10th July 2024.

In India, the river Ganga holds a place of paramount significance. This river, with its sacred waters, has, since time immemorial, been a source of spiritual solace and cultural unity for millions.

The artistic journey explored in this series by Yusuf Arakkal and his son Shibu, is deeply intertwined with philosophical explorations and personal truths. Being present along the Ganga, a profoundly philosophical place, the artists were drawn to the river itself and to the lives of those who have spent their time navigating its waters.

The boatmen of the Ganga, known as the Mallaah, are an integral and compelling part of this narrative that has been evocatively captured by Shibu Arakkal through his lens. For several hundred years, these men have passed down their oars from father to son, dedicating their lives to ferrying people across the sacred river. These men, almost wedded to their boats, spend their lives on these wooden vessels, performing their worldly duties and taking pride in being the true caretakers of this mystical river. The Mallaah men live lives apart from their families, deeply connected to the river they serve, almost as if they are born on these boats and may breathe their last on them.

The series of photographic artworks, titled ‘Mallaah,’ draws inspiration from these boatmen and their connection to the Ganga. This series is a response to their stark reality and an understanding of their lives. It does not seek to interpret something that may never be fully grasped but aims to create from their authentic experiences. The series captures the sociological complexity and deep-rooted connection these men have with the land and waters, akin to the sages and ancient faith.

Juxtaposed alongside the work of his son are the magnificent canvas creations of Yusuf Arakkal, clearly reflecting the intersection of their artistic legacies.

Yusuf Arakkal, renowned for his evocative and textured paintings that delve into the human condition, was instrumental in laying the creative foundation in his son’s mind. Shibu Arakkal’s engagement in photographic realism and abstraction is in stark contrast to his father’s expressional work, yet the similarity in their poetic imagery is evident.

The effort in curating an exhibition like ‘Ganga’ was to stay true to a realism that is both authentic and poetic, reflecting Yusuf Arakkal’s influence and Shibu Arakkal’s own artistic evolution.

About the artists:

Yusuf Arakkal (1945-2016) was an Indian artist celebrated for his profound contributions to the Expressionist movement. His evocative and powerful artworks delve into the depths of human emotions, portraying the complexities of the human condition with remarkable intensity.

Arakkal’s art is distinguished by its raw and emotive energy, firmly rooted in the principles of Expressionism. He employed bold brushstrokes, intense colors, and distorted forms to convey profound emotional intensity. His use of thick impasto and dynamic lines creates a sense of movement and tension, inviting viewers to explore the psychological landscapes of his subjects.

Influences from artists like Egon Schiele and Francis Bacon are evident in Arakkal’s style. Similar to Schiele, Arakkal often depicted the human figure in a distorted manner, emphasizing the inner turmoil and psychological dispositions of his subjects. The influence of Bacon is apparent in the visceral quality of his brushwork, as both artists sought to evoke strong emotions through their paintings.

Arakkal’s artworks explored a wide range of themes, particularly focusing on marginalized and oppressed individuals in society. Through his paintings, he gave a voice to the downtrodden and challenged societal norms. His subjects often conveyed emotions of anguish, pain, and existential despair, reflecting the darker aspects of human existence.

For instance, his series of paintings depicting beggars served as a poignant commentary on the forgotten and neglected sections of society. Arakkal presented these figures with empathy, capturing their resilience and dignity amid adversity. These artworks transcended mere representations of poverty, expressing the universality of human suffering.

Expressionism, which emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the increasing industrialization and alienation of modern life, sought to convey the emotional and psychological states of individuals, often portraying a sense of anxiety and unease. Arakkal’s artworks fit well within this context, as he explored the emotional turmoil prevalent in contemporary society.

Moreover, Expressionism acted as a vehicle for artists to challenge conventional aesthetics and norms. Arakkal, with his distinctive style, fearlessly expressed his innermost feelings and thoughts, transcending the boundaries of traditional representational art. His bold approach to form and color heightened the emotional impact of his works, allowing viewers to connect on a deeper level.

Yusuf Arakkal’s contributions to Expressionism have left a lasting impact on the Indian art scene. His artistry and dedication to social issues have inspired many contemporary artists to use their creative voices for meaningful and introspective expressions. His ability to convey complex emotions through his art has made his works accessible to a wide audience, drawing viewers into contemplative reflections on the human condition.

Through his artworks, Arakkal’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring power of art to express the human spirit and challenge the status quo.

Shibu Arakkal has gone from strength to strength whilst dealing with great architecture from around the world to the unnoticed little things from our day to day life and has in the process unintentionally created a style so very distinct and original.

Having stayed true to his art all along the way, he has not only gained numerous loyal collectors but also recognition for it in India and abroad. Of his many distinctions, he has been awarded at the Arad Biennale 2005, Romania and at ‘Ventipertrenta ‘04’, Italy, having also exhibited at the Royal College Of Art, London in 2007 and The National Exhibition Of Art, Lucknow in 2004.

His works have been shown everywhere from Italy, England and Singapore to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. For his work, he has travelled extensively through England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Turkey, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai amongst many other countries.

With several solo and group shows nationally and internationally to his name and works being collected by seasoned art collectors in and outside India, Shibu is also a regular at the Indian contemporary art shows circuit.