1001 Arabian Nights inspire works of mural painter

DUBAI - The creator of what is claimed to be the world's largest cement mural

By Isaac John

Published: Thu 24 Apr 2003, 12:38 PM

Last updated: Wed 16 Nov 2022, 4:01 PM

K.K. Suresh, plans to showcase a wide collection of his paintings inspired by "1001 Arabian Nights" tales and Indian mythology in Dubai and other Gulf cities as part of a mission to promote this traditional art form.

A name to reckon with in the world of mural painting, Suresh is expecting an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. Now on a fact-finding visit to Dubai, he is also exploring the possibility of setting up a permanent exhibition of his works in the emirate.

His paintings exhibitions, held in Delhi and Kochi, were well received by art lovers and critics who raved over the richness of the theme, the 'vastu'-oriented colour scheme and perfection of the traditional mural techniques he has employed.

He says the five specific colours he uses for his paintings - yellow, red, green, white and black - are believed to transform negative vibrations into positive energy, one of the main objectives of the time-tested "vastushastra."

A permanent exhibition of his works at Ochre Art Gallery in Kochi has a mixture of the representational and the abstract.

Although he derives his inspiration from Hindu mythology, he has delved into rich and colourful Arabic heritage to give a distinct Middle Eastern flavour to some of his latest works.

As a prelude to his upcoming Gulfwide paintings exhibition, Suresh has with him a selection of his works at Dubai Palm Beach Hotel.

His 1,200ft-long and 5ft-high 'Chitramathil' (wall of murals) at the Sri Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, is expected to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's longest cement mural. The work depicts scenes from Indian mythology and literary works.

Suresh, who works as an instructor at the Department of Mural Painting, Shankaracharya University, completed the masterpiece - the designs which were carved out on wet cement - in 66 days.

Suresh said it was not the first time he has worked on a project as big as this. Earlier, he had worked on a record 1,200ft-long mural painting depicting 1036 verses from a religious book 'Narayaneeyam'.

Some of his other celebrated works include 'Mahaprasthanam' (the story of the Buddha), 'Soundaryalahiri' (the life of Sri Adi Sankara), 'Rukmini Swayamvaram' (the story of Rukmini and Sri Krishna).uar