A century-old Kerala godown turns art gallery; features bio-art installations

A new art gallery will be opened in the historic Jew Street of Kerala Mattanchery in a few days and it stands out for featuring interesting installations and artefacts made using resources from nature. The gallery, named Plavu (jackfruit tree), will be opened on Chingam 1, the first day of the Malayalam calendar (August 17). Timber that is at least 70 to 100 years old, sourced from a farmland in Pala, has been used to make the beautiful statues, installations and artworks. 

These fabulous artworks have been made mainly from the timber of the jackfruit tree (anjili, Artocarpus hirsutus) and the mahogany tree. The installations that were naturally formed when the timber was sawn have been polished and exhibited here. The classic elegance of timber is also evident in the artworks that are framed and mounted on the walls. The timber was stored in a shed for over eight months before being turned into beautiful installations. Meanwhile, the spacious gallery is owned by Jose Dominic, the former chairman of CGS Earth Group. 

A historic space
Interestingly, a godown more than a century old has been converted into a gallery to showcase amazing artwork. When asked who the talented artist is behind the installations and artworks, Jose Dominic cheekily replies, “Besides me, woodcutter Vasu and carpenter Sreedharan.” It took Vasu and Sreedharan three years to craft the statues and installations according to Jose Dominic’s instructions. Jose’s impeccable ability to visualise artworks hidden in a log of timber will truly blow your mind. 

Meanwhile, Jose has also opened Ezekiel Café on Jew Street. The café serves authentic Jewish cuisine in a calm and alluring ambience. Sumac fish, braised beef, Jewish apple cake, and Kochini appam are among the Jewish dishes served here. Besides, guests can try dishes from many countries with sizable Jewish populations. The Ethiopian Doro Wat, cooked with chicken and eggs, is one such dish. Kochini appam and egg curry, shakshuka made with eggs and tomatoes and chermoula made using eggplants add a unique Jewish touch to the menu. 

The vegetables and coffee used in the café’s kitchen are freshly sourced from Jose’s farm in Pala. The veteran entrepreneur has successfully implemented the Farm-to-Restaurant concept at the Ezekiel Café. The café functions in an old Jewish home that is more than four centuries old. Guests can also stay in this building and enjoy the community's unique cultural heritage.

The building that was the residence of noted Jewish merchant Rahabi Ezekiel was once a meeting venue of the higher officials of the Dutch India Company and the rulers of the Kochi and Travancore royal provinces. The Chinese tiles that were paved on the floor of the Synagogue during its renovation in 1758, and the historic clock tower, were contributions of Rahabi Ezekiel.