Promod, an Indian expatriate who passed away two years ago, and a group of friends, initially came together in Satwa. These individuals, despite their commercial careers, shared a profound passion for art, which they had to set aside due to practical demands.

Vineeth, the guild’s secretary, explained: “The group has now expanded to include around 25 artists, each with a significant connection to art. Whether they are celebrated artists or enthusiastic amateurs, they unite through this Guild to pursue their artistic passions.”

Under the guidance of distinguished artists like K.K.N. Nambiar, Vineeth has participated in numerous group exhibitions, specializing in oil on canvas and continually evolving his personal style.

“Many of us had to shelve our artistic inclinations in favor of commercial careers. To reconnect with our creativity, we organized regular meetups on Fridays or other free days to paint and promote art,” Vineeth added.

Since its inception, the Guild has been active in hosting painting exhibitions, workshops, and discussions across Dubai and Sharjah. These events offer artists a platform to display and sell their work.

Key figures in the Guild include Kumar Chadayamangalam (current president), Uday Russelpuram, Ramesh Vellinezhi, Shafi Beypore, Narayan Kadavath, art director Nisar Ibrahim, and Sadasivan Ambalamedu. These members balance their professional lives with their artistic pursuits, ensuring they dedicate time to their passion.

The Guild conducts workshops in community parks to bridge the gap between artists and the public. “Our workshops aim to clarify fundamental questions about art, such as the nature of abstract art, making it more accessible to everyone,” Vineeth explained.

Their latest initiative involved a workshop with underprivileged children, where they created a unique art installation and shared inspiring stories of artists.

The Guild also supports its members and the community in challenging times. Following the Kerala floods, they organized a fundraiser, creating and selling art to contribute to relief efforts.

The Guild’s members hold a shared belief that art transcends barriers, offering a universal connection and understanding that few other things can.

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Early Inspirations and Artistic Genesis

Born on January 17, 1972, in the quaint village of Chemnad in Kasaragod District, Khaleelullah Chemnad was immersed in an environment rich with literary and artistic influences. His father, M. H. Seethi, was a renowned writer and social worker, whose life served as an open book of inspiration for young Khaleelullah. From an early age, he was captivated by literature, often seen carrying works of famous literary personalities along with his school books. This early exposure laid the foundation for his creative pursuits.

A Pioneer in Calligraphy

At the tender age of 13, Khaleelullah embarked on his journey into the world of calligraphy—a field that was akin to rocket science for many in India at the time. Fascinated by the artistic beauty of Arabic letters in magazines sent to his father from the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Khaleelullah began to explore calligraphy despite not being proficient in Arabic. His exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of regional publications in Kerala, and by 1987, at just 15, he was already creating calligraphic works for two major publications.

Birth of Anatomic Calligraphy

Khaleelullah’s groundbreaking contribution to calligraphy came with the invention of Anatomic Calligraphy. Unlike traditional zoomorphic drawings, Anatomic Calligraphy involves creating detailed images using Arabic script. This innovative art form astonished the world with its uniqueness and beauty. One of his earliest masterpieces was a calligraphic portrait of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a visionary ruler, which marked Khaleelullah’s entry into the annals of art history.

In 2010, Khaleelullah achieved a world record by drawing the largest anatomic calligraphic picture of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai. This achievement was recognized by the Limca Book of Records. Additionally, he made history in India by carving 50 Qur’anic verses in oak wood using calligraphic scripts, which were then placed in the Kalanad Mosque in Kerala.

Global Recognition and Continued Excellence

Khaleelullah’s exceptional work has earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. His calligraphic logos have become prestigious symbols for many top-ranked firms in the UAE. He has been a distinguished presence at calligraphic conferences and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a master calligrapher.

Among his many awards are the Kerala Cartoon Academy Award, World Health Organization Award, Thoolika Award, Malayattoor Award, M.P. Narayana Pillai Award, and the Anti-Narcotic Movement Award. Each of these honours reflects the immense impact of his artistic and literary contributions.

A Visionary’s Dream

Despite his numerous achievements, Khaleelullah Chemnad remains driven by an insatiable quest for perfection. “I believe that my best calligraphy is yet to be drawn. It is my dream, project. It could be a great work of anatomic calligraphy and it should be a landmark in world history,” he says. This unyielding pursuit of excellence and innovation continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Khaleelullah Chemnad’s legacy is one of artistic brilliance and relentless creativity. His unique synthesis of writing and drawing has not only enriched the field of calligraphy but also elevated it to new heights. As he continues to explore and expand the boundaries of his craft, the world eagerly anticipates the next masterpiece from this unparalleled artist.

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The exhibition features the works of five exceptional artists: Ravinder Dutt, N Ramachandran, Sitikanta Samantsingha, Madan Meena, and Srinivasa Reddy. Each artist brings a unique perspective, drawing inspiration from their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, making ‘Iconographic Echoes’ a testament to the diversity of India’s artistic landscape.

Sitikanta Samantsingha, hailing from the rural village of Alugaon near Chilika Lake in Odisha, stands out with his profound commitment to addressing social and ecological issues. His work is a visual dialogue that delves into the politics of sustainability, reflecting his deep-rooted philosophy of compassion and understanding. Samantsingha’s art is heavily influenced by the challenges faced by migrants, both human and avian, at Chilika Lake. He artfully combines traditional and contemporary elements, making a poignant commentary on contemporary societal, political, and environmental issues.

Srinivasa Reddy’s ‘Vahana’ series is another noteworthy highlight of the exhibition. Reddy, who experienced a diverse range of influences growing up in an ashram and studying in urban centers like Bengaluru and Chennai, draws inspiration from traditional rituals. His artwork captures the unique perspective of merging the traditional role of vahana carriers with the middle-class villagers who have migrated to cities for work, creating thought-provoking compositions.

Ravinder Dutt, another luminary in this exhibition, considers himself a time traveler in the realm of art and existence. His artistic journey is a tapestry woven from diverse family origins, spanning Lahore and Kashmir. Dutt’s work is a celebration of existence itself, blending elements from the Mughal, colonial, and contemporary eras. Through age-old iconography, he unveils hidden meanings of the present, effectively bridging the traditions of the past with the technology of the present.

Speaking about his work, Dutt emphasizes the importance of traditions in shaping our identity, saying, “We should never forget our roots – our traditions are what make us what we are today. It is our traditions that form the core of anything that we do, and the same goes for art.”

In today’s digital age, the accessibility of information has made it easier for people to explore and appreciate India’s rich history, art, and traditions. Artists and cultural organizations are actively working to promote India’s cultural heritage in innovative ways, using mediums such as art exhibitions, performances, digital platforms, and educational programs to engage a broader audience.

‘Iconographic Echoes’ is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. This exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant cultural tapestry of India through the eyes of these talented artists.

The post Iconographic Echoes: Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Indian Art appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.