Kathakali Shadows

My first-ever trip to Allepey, Kerala in 2008 had more to offer than just being a mere vacation. I was fortunate enough to witness an exclusive & personal Kathakali dance performance, whereby I was exposed to their tedious & intricate art of face-painting. I was rapt by their absolute hard-work and the face painting session almost lasted for over an hour! The mesmerizing act itself was of 2 hours duration.

And to pay respect to this wonderful facial art I decided to paint a series, aptly titled, KATHAKALI SHADOWS.

Why the word 'Shadows'? Well, since the series is more about the 'backstage' feel—the make-up application, the relaxed body language and the casual postures—and not so much about the actual dance-form

It was very well-received and happens to be the only lengthy series I have worked on till date, having begun the same in 2008.

Hope you like the works as much as I have loved painting them.

Please leave your valuable comments.

For more works go to: https://www.facebook.com/artbyarif

My Studio

The man who made me fall in love with Nudes...

Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter. Known chiefly for his thickly impacted portrait and figure paintings, he was widely considered the pre-eminent British artist of his time. His works are noted for their psychological penetration, and for their often discomforting examination of the relationship between artist and model. He died on 20^th July 2011 at the age of 88.

The best thing about his nudes, despite being very realistic, is not offensive or dirty. It is creativity at its peak. And I owe a lot to him as an artist myself.

May your soul rest in peace.