 Close on heels of the National Geographic Traveller having eulogised Kerala - God's Own Country as a 'State Of Enlightenment' in its April 2001 issue, come the deft strokes of renowned artist, M.F Hussain that will immortalise Kerala on canvas.
M.F Hussain is not a new name in the art circle. From a humble start as a billboard painter, he entered the world of art like a revolution. His paintings have always been way ahead of time. And he is rightly called the representative of modern Indian art. The most interesting collection of his paintings, done in collaboration with an architect who constructed the gallery, is at the Hussain-Doshi Gufa in
Ahmedabad.
In his early years Hussain was into painting landscapes. For which he would go to the outskirts of the city he lived in. And now his brush will reproduce on canvas, the images of God's Own Country. Which is one boundless picture of ethnic beauty - right from Kasargod to Trivandrum. The painter will mainly cover the backwaters, beaches and culture of
Kerala.
 Nature has always inspired the works of many artists. And in Kerala, it flaunts the most veritable palette for a painter. Maze like backwaters that narrate the most intimate story of life. Serene, secluded and spotless beaches that extend till eternity! And a vibrant and awesome culture, bequeathed by a rich heritage. This will be a unique opportunity to see the riches of Kerala from the perspective of a painter who gives a totally new definition to things.
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 Kerala always has some interesting subject for everyone. And it is not the first time that Kerala has cast its spell on an artist. In the words of Mr.
Hussain, "Kerala is very rich in colour. Kerala's culture and its people fascinate me. That will reflect in my paintings. Here as people wear mostly white, you can see the human beings in real form without
colours." Inspired by Kerala's mystical charm, more and more people keep coming here to give the land their best definition.
And as they come, there will be innumerable pages of stories written, unending verses of poetry sung and myriad canvasses of paintings portrayed on
Kerala.
During his visit, Mr. Hussain met the Chief Minister Mr. A.K Antony, the Maharaja of Travancore, internationally reputed filmmakers Mr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Shaji N. Karun, and world-renowned cartoonist Mr. Abu Abraham. And he also viewed Priyadarshan's blockbuster Malayalam movie 'Kakakuyil' which stars the Bharat award winner
Mohanlal.
The entire series is co-sponsored by Kerala Tourism and Indian Airlines. This is part of a strategy adopted by Kerala Tourism to promote the State as a destination for the rich and famous. As part of which, celebrity artists will be roped in, whose works on Kerala will act as testimonials. Says Mr. Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, "Kerala Tourism wants to increase the brand equity through these kind of programmes which will definitely attract the intellectuals, rich and famous. The paintings and sketches will be used in all the Road Shows within India and abroad and I'm sure will attract the defined audience and give extra mileage to Kerala. We will also be bringing out a book which will encapsulate the entire series."
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