18th November 2025 Mrs Nalini Rajappan & Beena
Series 1
Hello everyone. Today, I wish to showcase the unique art form of Kerala Mural art by Mrs Nalini Rajappan and Mrs Lathika Vijayaraghavan. Both are accomplished artists.
Kerala mural art, unlike its Western counterpart, showcases resilience and often portrays stories from Hindu mythology. Found in temples and palaces, this art form dates from the 9th to the 12th century. Despite facing the threat of extinction during British rule, it was revived after India’s independence in 1947. The primary colours—red, yellow, green, white, and black—are all sourced from natural ingredients, mixed in wooden bowls.
This form of art is quite challenging. Both artists used acrylic paints on canvas to produce these paintings. The colours carry significance. Green symbolises spirituality, while red and yellow represent wealth and influence, and white and black signify evil.
It is interesting because I have always equated white with purity. There is always something new to learn from exploring art. Recently, I have realised how essential it is for us to practise being focused. Nowadays, many people have agitated minds due to life’s stresses. Art serves as a form of meditation that can help one stay in the moment. I have attempted to meditate for many years, but I can never quiet my thoughts that keep running through my mind when I try. However, when I paint, my mind becomes so focused. I wonder how the two artists managed to complete this challenging form of art. It must have involved many hours of pure mindfulness. I enjoy hearing the thoughts of the two artists as well as those of others who have practised such art.