In the quaint town of Wadakkanchery in Kerala’s Thrissur district, a simple library wall has been transformed into a canvas unveiling the profound connection between nature and the artistic talents of young minds. At the Government Model Residential School for boys, a collective of students gathered to create an evocative mural that now adorns their school library, capturing the lush vistas of the forest alongside its diverse birdlife and the people who call it home.
Over a span of three laborious and creativity-filled days, the mural stretched across a 12×20-foot expanse, coming to life with only terracotta, white and black – a remarkable feat of expression limited to three hues of colors. Despite having just four liters of paint, this vibrant young team, comprising students from fifth to tenth grades, managed to infuse the mural with a sense of authenticity and an unbridled passion for their craft.
Eighteen students, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences, were guided by their commitment to the arts and the memories of the world they have been raised in. One such student, Sreepadmanabhan P from Class V, affectionately referred to as Pappu by his peers and educators alike, took on the task of illustrating the trees – a subject he holds dear. “He hails from Attappady and he loves drawing trees and the forest. Here, too, he has depicted it in great detail, including the different birds that are found in the forest,” shared Priya KG, the dedicated art teacher of the school.
This institution, under the care of the Tribal/Social Welfare Department, welcomes students from various parts of Kerala, many from the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities and hailing from forest-dwelling families. Thus, the imagery depicted by these young artists often provides a glimpse into their unique worlds, reflecting deep-rooted beliefs, traditions, and customs. “The pictures these children draw are often a window to their world,” notes Priya.
Two years ago, when Priya joined the school, she discovered striking stone drawings created by the students on the rocky patches outside the school premises. With images of elephants, trees, birds, and humans rendered in elemental simplicity, some stood out as exceptional pieces, despite many students having never experienced painting with colors before.
Seizing the opportunity, Priya provided them with paints and brushes, encouraging them to explore and express their artistic freedom. Instead of imposing rules, she advocated for unrestrained self-expression. The students first practiced on another library wall, gaining confidence and shaking off any initial hesitation with each brushstroke.
Their approach to art was refreshingly unencumbered by the pursuit of perfection. Priya often reassured her students, “So what if one eye is smaller than the other; or one limb is shorter than the other? There is no one absolute ideal of perfection.”
The zenith of their artistic journey came in 2023 when a group from the school, led by Priya, ventured to the bustling streets of Kochi to paint a mural at the Kashi Hallegua House in Jew Town for the ‘Sea: A Boiling Vessel’ exhibition curated by Aazhi Collective. For many of the young artists, the adventure to paint in a city was a novel and validating experience, serving as both a cultural excursion and an acknowledgment of their sheer talent.
Priya observes that art has become more than a mode of self-expression for these children. It has proven to be a catalyst for their overall personal growth, enhancing their self-confidence, communication skills, and fostering a broader sense of community and understanding.
As the students’ mural stands proudly in their school library, it symbolizes not only their artistic prowess but also the intrinsic connection between their heritage and their creative aspirations. What was once just a bland wall has now turned into a vibrant testament to their lives, radiant with the colors of the forest they call home.
