Photo exhibition of N.P.Jayan

Kerala - Kochi

Images of the monsoon

Different facets and moods of the countryside during the heavy monsoon is depicted in the collection

'Malabar,' is the subject close to heart of this photographer, second only to nature. Throughout his career as news photographer N.P.Jayan, who hails from Wayanad district, had kept track of the beauties of nature and that of his native place, the Malabar.

The passion has finally led him to a series of photo exhibitions. Titled 'Mazhavillu,' the series is to contain seven exhibitions, which will be held over a few years. He is planning to hold two exhibitions every year. The first one of the series, 'Malabar Monsoon,' was held at the Durbar Hall Art Centre. The show included 35 photographs, taken during the past couple of years, at different places in Malabar. With the theme being monsoon, Mr. Jayan has presented a collection of images portraying rain and nature during the monsoon.

The different facets and moods of the countryside during the heavy monsoon rain can be seen in the collection. The misty, mud paths of Attappadi, the beach at Muzhuppilangad, a lone deer in the Muthanga forests, a parade reflected in rainwater at the West Hill Parade Ground and many, many images from Silent Valley, Mr.Jayan's most favourite haunt. The series of exhibitions planned by Mr. Jayan on Malabar will include themes such as 'People of Malabar,' 'Art and Culture of Malabar,' 'Rivers of Malabar,' 'The Coast of Malabar,' `History of Malabar,' and 'Nature and Wild Life of Malabar.' Each show will have between 35 and 40 works. The shows will be held at first at Bangalore, where Mr. Jayan resides at present, later moving on to Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

He had earlier conducted an exhibition of photographs with the title, 'Victims of Violence,' based on the hapless residents of places that were ravaged by violence and riot, such as Marad. His visits to such places as part of duty as a news photographer had left indelible marks on him on the plight of the women and children in those areas.

This exhibition had travelled to different villages all over Kerala. "Even now, it is being exhibited at somewhere, though I have almost lost track of it," he says.
Renu Ramanath

(The Hindu, Tuesday, August 1, 2006)