After 26 years' hiatus, faded memory; artist Rajesh Thalipoyil paints again

Kathirur: Artist Rajesh Thalipoyil is inspiring connoisseurs with his paintings that reflect a story of survival.

For a long time, Rajesh had forgotten the colours. But the colours, evidently, hadn’t forgotten him and now, Rajesh has transformed those colours into beautiful paintings. These artworks now adorn the walls of the Kathirur Panchayat Art Gallery as part of an exhibition titled Athijeevanam, Vara Jeevanam (Surviving through painting). Rajesh’s artistic journey is filled with experiences of overcoming adversity.

Rajesh was working at an advertising agency in Coimbatore when he met with an accident in May 1999. While riding his moped, he was knocked down by another moped coming from the opposite direction. He sustained a serious injury to the left side of his head and part of his brain was completely damaged. Although he regained consciousness during treatment, he was left without memory or mobility. Defying predictions of a life without memory, Rajesh’ life exudes positivity at its best manifestation. Under the care of his family and friends, he took baby steps back to life.

Over the past year, Rajesh has gradually rediscovered his creativity in his most favourite fields, namely,  painting and photography. Though his memories remain somewhat faded, not the colours. The ongoing exhibition at the Panchayat Art Gallery features 77 paintings, including works from the past year and earlier pieces. The collection includes watercolours, acrylics and pencil drawings.

The exhibition has been organised by the library in his native village, Muzhakkunnu. Artist K K Marar inaugurated the event. Muzhakkunnu Panchayat President T. Bindu presided. Vijayakumar Blathoor introduced the artist. Artists K M Sivakrishnan, A Satyanath, Rajendran Pulloor, Jain Calicut, and library secretary K Vineeth spoke at the event. The exhibition will conclude on October 11 and is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.