Thrissur: Shijo Jacob is affected by polio, yet he produces some of the most beautiful and intricate paintings one can imagine. He did not let his physical disability come in the way of his goal of being an accomplished artist.
A native of Changanassery, Shijo triumphed over his disability by unleashing his imagination on the canvas. His compassion towards nature is reflected in his 54 paintings displayed at the exhibition titled ‘Displaced-Misplaced’ at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi’s Art Gallery here.
Shijo’s landscapes are absolutely flawless with fine lines and intricate details. He has used hard and striking colours on his canvases to capture Nature in all its glory. There are realistic and abstract works as well as three-dimensional paintings. The works that depict the various moods of Nature have been done using mixed medium — acrylic, silk screen and acid-free paper.
Shijo, who has been working as a drawing teacher at the Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts at Mavelikkara for the past 26 years, was struck by polio in childhood which left both his legs paralysed.
He earned the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the College of Fine Arts in Thiruvanthapuram and completed the Master’s degree from the Jamia Milia Islamia University in New Delhi. He was the recipient of the best artist (painting) award, instituted by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, in 2006.
Shijo started to travel across the country exhibiting his creations after several institutions came forward to offer him scholarships and fellowships in recognition of his artistic skills. Remarkably, he has never availed benefits of reservation for the physically challenged.
The solo exhibition was inaugurated by artist Ajayakumar. Lalithakala Akademi secretary Ponnyam Chandran presided over the function. The exhibition is open from 10 am to 7 pm till October 27.
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