JOIN USExploring pain as an expression is the focus of G Biju Kumar’s work titled, Monologues, where he has tried to touch upon different dimensions of pain (physical, emotion and mental). Human relationships and the complexities it creates within oneself are manifested externally on the objects.
Biju uses the mundane and the very ordinary objects to portray different kinds of emotions. Humour, human experiences, spiritual connections are subtly explored. He has used pins, nails, hooks, needles and screws effectively.
Among Biju’s work was, After the Inferno, where a common kerosene stove has been burnt and suspended to expose its hidden character as if to reveal a story. The pins evoke a feeling of hurt and the burnt paint resembles human skin.
The tender lotus flower brings in a positive aspect of hope. Memento for a Romantic, where an antique looking lantern is modified to resemble a lamp-post of an era gone by. The centre is electrically lit and marbles are placed to give an effect of molten lava rolling down adding dynamism to the work. Biju’s, Impersonation: foot-light portrays a watering-can with punctured holes which looks incapacitated, but tries to pose itself as a theatre-stage foot-light. The convex mirror presents reality in wide angle view. The melodrama in the work reflects human’s innate ability to adapt and recover.
In Luxury, No apologies the grand-looking broom is a demeanour and a critique on designer lifestyle. The peacock feather inside the footwear pushes further the concept of taking luxury to the hilt. Being in penance bring in nails and drain covers as mere objects. These metal objects have been placed on a fragile glass that is shattered in the process. Sadus seated on nail-bed representing self-torture whereby trying to transcend pain is the inspiration to this work. In Catch-22, an industrial looking roti-maker and a hot-plate is connected by two pair of gloves. It is a situation of ‘tit-for-tat’ that is presented here with emphasis on sensitivity and oppression in daily life.
Biju says he chose to recycle waste or objects that are discarded. He thinks even waste should be used effectively.