Sara Chandy’s ‘Lilies in the Garden of Tomorrow’ Exhibition Unearths Pre-Independence Kerala History through Personal Narratives
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A poignant exploration of Kerala’s pre-independence era unfolds in artist Sara Chandy’s new exhibition, ‘Lilies in the Garden of Tomorrow,’ currently on display at Arrowmark Art Gallery in Mattancherry, Kochi. The exhibition,launched in conjunction with the Kochi Biennale’s collateral exhibitions,offers a deeply personal and moving account of a pivotal period in Indian history,told through the intimate lens of letters and diaries.
A Family’s Struggle Against a historical Backdrop
The exhibition centers on the experiences of Eliamma Mathan, the wife of C.P.Mathan, a co-founder of Travancore National and Quilon Bank.Viewers are invited to witness Eliamma Mathan’s struggle following her husband’s arrest, a period marked by uncertainty and resilience. The artwork recreates Eliamma Mathan’s handwritten letters, thoughtfully layered against the backdrop of Bible texts and contemporary newspaper articles, creating a powerful visual dialog between personal hardship and the broader socio-political climate.
“This was a two-year job,” Chandy stated, emphasizing the extensive research and artistic dedication invested in the project. The inclusion of diary entries further enriches the narrative,offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the emotional landscape of the time.
Artistic Interpretation and Historical Context
Beyond the recreated historical documents, the exhibition features creative illustrations by Chandy alongside old family photos. This blend of mediums allows for a nuanced interpretation of the past, bridging the gap between factual record and artistic expression. The exhibition delves into the history of Kerala, specifically the social and political conditions that prevailed before India’s independence.
The exhibition is curated by Bakul Pakhti and is a collaborative effort between the british Council and the TNC Foundation. It promises a unique art experience for those attending the Kochi Biennale collateral events, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art within the context of Indian art.
‘Lilies in the Garden of Tomorrow’ is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a testament to the enduring power of personal stories to illuminate broader historical truths, offering a compelling glimpse into a important chapter of Kerala’s past.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
The exhibition, ‘Lilies in the Garden of Tomorrow,’ was created why to illuminate a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter of Kerala’s pre-independence history through the personal story of Eliamma Mathan and her family. Who is at the heart of this story? Eliamma Mathan,wife of C.P. Mathan, a political activist and co-founder of Travancore National and Quilon Bank, and artist Sara Chandy, who meticulously researched and recreated the narrative. What does the exhibition showcase? It presents recreated letters and diary entries of Eliamma Mathan, layered with Bible texts and newspaper articles, alongside Chandy’s illustrations and family photos.
How did it end? the exhibition doesn’t have a definitive “end” in the conventional sense of a historical event. Rather, it concludes as a powerful artistic statement, leaving viewers to contemplate the resilience of individuals facing political upheaval and the enduring power of personal narratives. The exhibition is currently on display at the Arrowmark Art Gallery in Kochi as part of the Kochi Biennale’s collateral events, and its impact will continue through the conversations and reflections it inspires. The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the British Council and
