Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Dhyana Chitra-Visual Cultural Lab at Durbar Hall Art Gallery on Sunday, commemorating the late artist A Ramachandran’s contributions to art. The lab, established by Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, will house Ramachandran’s personal collection of books, a reference library, and a visual resource centre.
During the inauguration, Vijayan praised Ramachandran for blending Indian and global art traditions with the modern era. He emphasized the importance of sharing Ramachandran’s artistic vision, which promotes humanity and ecological balance, particularly in a contemporary climate where art is sometimes used for hate propaganda.
“Ramachandran’s renowned Gandhi sculpture, much like Picasso’s ‘Guernica,’ reflects his political stance,” Vijayan noted. He also highlighted the contributions of other notable Indian artists, including Raja Ravi Varma, Nandalal Bose, C.K. Padmini, and K.C.S. Panicker, and stressed the need for greater public awareness of their artistic impact.
In accordance with Ramachandran’s wishes, the government plans to acquire his artworks with the agreement of his family. His children have consented to transfer paintings and sculptures valued at over Rs 300 crore. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian announced that an art center showcasing Ramachandran’s works will soon be established at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre in Kollam, with construction underway and a memorandum of understanding to be signed soon.
At the event, Kerala Cartoon Academy presented a donation of Rs 2,02,000 to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund, raised through the Caritoon caricature challenge.
The inauguration was attended by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, Mayor M. Anilkumar, former Minister M.A. Baby, Ramachandran’s children Rahul and Sujatha, Lalithakala Akademi Chairman Murali Cheeroth, and Secretary N. Balamuralikrishnan.
Feature Image: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visiting the Dhyana Chitra: A. Ramachandran Visual Cultural Lab in Kochi, shortly after its inauguration on September 1. | Courtesy: R.K. Nithin
