4th October 2025 Mr Mani & Beena
Having been captivated by Mr Mani’s pen-and-ink art featuring poppies, I feel compelled to explore the beauty of these flowers. His monochrome depiction, though lacking in colour, still manages to evoke the vivid image of these blood-red blooms in our minds.
The history of poppies, a plant cultivated since the time of the Sumerians, is a captivating journey. Beyond their association with opium and the international regulations surrounding their cultivation, poppies have served various purposes. From the extraction of morphine, an analgesic for pain relief, to the use of poppy oil in cooking, and the nutritional benefits of poppy seeds, these flowers boast a rich and diverse history.
The poppy flower, a symbol of Remembrance Day, holds great significance. On the 11th of November, we honour the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fields of Flanders, Belgium, during WWI, with these delicate yet impactful blooms.
That reminds me of how we can admire a flower for its beauty for reasons beyond war if only we humans can avoid all these conflicts that have taken millions of innocent lives. I wish we would pursue creative work instead of bloodshed and lead meaningful lives.