My impressions of the second edition of Cochi- Muziris Biennale

I was disturbed with the impression that the area alloted to painting in the contemporary art world has alarmingly shriken.After the initial shock or confusion I tried to see the exhibition from a different angle and had the impression that a welcome change was taking place as frontiers had begun to show clear signs of disappearance.Another notable change is that many reputed artists have begun to show more interest in the re- reding of history. The politics behind the globalised world had also captured the attention of many.The vision and political awareness of the artist is equally important as his/her mastery over the art,this Biennale gives such a message.Another important thing that I have noticed is that the curater has not enetertained the notion that art works are there just to see and generate aesthetic experience which does not show even the faintest shadows of history,politics and social awareness and nothing should be mentioned about their content. The final impression that the second edition of Cochi- Muziris Biennale left in my mind is that all theories are melting into the air in the world of contemporary art and artists are trnsforming themselves,most probably with much enthusiasm, to catch up with the contemporary world were everything is in a hurry to change and disappear into oblivion. 20/3/2015

Literary Sensibility

I have heard many university professors and ‘ intellectuals’ elaborating on the issue of literary sensibility using a number of high sounding words with which they may be quite familiar. They have no hesitation in repeatedly quoting Jacques Lacan , Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari and the like.But while giving their opinions about the literary works in Malayalam one can easily see that their sensibility is either false or of very low standard. I think that these people lack the feelers which is absolutely essential to know what all thoughts and feelings are there behind each and every word appearing in a genuine literary work.At the same time I have seen many ordinary village folk who with wonderful precision make exact judgement on latest poems,short stories and novels.Knowledge of literay works acquired in abundance and familiarity with nearly all the terms in literary criticism may not ensure truthful sensibility.It takes birth in a different planet. 27/1/2015

BOOK RELEASE

My latest collection of short stories titled ‘RAMESWARAM’ and a collection of articles on my writings ‘N PRABHAKARAN: KATHA KALAM DARSANAM ‘ were released at a function held at Govt Guest House, Madadayippara on January 26, 2015. N.Sasidharan presided over the function. C.V.Balakrishnan releasd the short story collection by handing over a copy to Sihabudheen Poythumkatavu. The collection of articles was released by poet P.N.Gopikrishnan and G.B.Valsan received the copy.Thaha Madayi, Damodaran Kulappuram and P.K.Bhagyalekshmi also spoke on the occasion. A.V. Pavithran welcomed the audience and P.V.Divakaran rendered vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a flute recital by Pavithran Ezhome. About 150 people attended the function. Many of them later shared their pleasure in being able to attend a simple but warm function.The programme was jointly organised by Kairali Books,Kannur and eripuram.com