Artist Statement
Theyyam: A Contemporary Take
Hailing from a country where there is a huge place for history and historical art forms, I am fascinated and inspired by the storytelling and the essence of divinity in those traditional folk art forms. Theyyam is an ancient folk art and ritual that originated in northern Kerala, a southern state of India which brings to life the great stories of Kerala. A versatile art form with over 400 separate Theyyams that encompasses dance, mime and music. Each Theyyam represents a Hindu god, appearing with heavy makeup, ornaments, headgear and dazzling costumes. The artwork is a sentiment on the decline of interest in the Theyyam art form among the younger generation and also an attempt to bring the art form to a new and younger audience, how it is relatable to them and how relevant it can be. This is an urge to save a divine art form. Rather than just depicting what is already out there, storytelling holds the major spot in the work.