19th April 2026 Beena
When I posted my acrylic painting—a vibrant tree adorned with yellow leaves, with a distant house nestled on the horizon—I was met with an outpouring of comments. Many focused on the symbolic link between the yellow hues and the festival of Vishu, adding new depth to the work.
Vishu, the New Year for Malayalees, marks a fresh beginning and is celebrated as an auspicious occasion. Homes and places of worship are adorned in yellow and gold, filling the air with anticipation. On the morning of Vishu, our mother would gently wake us and guide us to the prayer space with our eyes closed, so our first sight of the year would be the beautifully arranged offerings.
Most viewers described my painting as serene. My usual critic suggested the yellows could be even brighter, though others worried it might disturb the peaceful mood. Many agreed the colours were perfect for Vishu. Allan, however, was captivated by the distant house, calling it the true focal point—even though no one else had commented on it.
Reflecting on these reactions, I was reminded that art—like life—draws out different points of interest for each of us. What resonates deeply with one person may go unnoticed by another. I would love to hear your thoughts on both the painting and these reflections.