Man-animal conflict confrontation gets noted at Kochi Biennale

Kochi, March 16 : An emotive artistic work that has an underlying reference to violence stemming from man-animal confrontations, exemplified by the brutal killing of a pregnant elephant by feeding it with explosive-laden pineapple, is getting noticed at the Kochi Muziris Biennale.

The tusker met with a horrific death at Ambalappara in Keralas Palakkad district on May 27, 2020, after eating the fruit filled with country-made crackers which exploded in its mouth.

The blast was so powerful that the poor animal ran around the village in searing pain, unable to eat for days.Finally, it entered a river and stood there with its trunk and mouth immersed in water till it breathed its last two days later.

Shikh Sabbir Alam, a contemporary artist from Bangladesh, has now recreated this incident, which received worldwide attention.Shikh Sabbir has put up a total of six acrylic paintings on display at the Biennale, including the works about the Garden; Magic House 1,2,3; Elephants and Fruit; and White Rabbit.

The creations which showcase the flora and fauna from tortoises to elephants and fruits resemble much like a dream.At the same time, it is mystical as well.

"My pictures resemble the vision that slowly materialiaes before you when you open your eyes after a long sleep.The attempt is to guide viewers through the display of pictures using pastel colours to experience the wonders being depicted on the canvas.

The colour of a flower or a fruit is enough to inspire original creations," said Alam.Nature and life are the main elements reflected in Alams creations for the Kochi Biennale.

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