In India, the river Ganga holds a place of paramount significance. This river, with its sacred waters, has, since time immemorial, been a source of spiritual solace and cultural unity for millions.
The artistic journey explored in this series by Yusuf Arakkal and his son Shibu, is deeply intertwined with philosophical explorations and personal truths. Being present along the Ganga, a profoundly philosophical place, the artists were drawn to the river itself and to the lives of those who have spent their time navigating its waters.
The boatmen of the Ganga, known as the Mallaah, are an integral and compelling part of this narrative that has been evocatively captured by Shibu Arakkal through his lens. For several hundred years, these men have passed down their oars from father to son, dedicating their lives to ferrying people across the sacred river. These men, almost wedded to their boats, spend their lives on these wooden vessels, performing their worldly duties and taking pride in being the true caretakers of this mystical river. The Mallaah men live lives apart from their families, deeply connected to the river they serve, almost as if they are born on these boats and may breathe their last on them.
The series of photographic artworks, titled ‘Mallaah,’ draws inspiration from these boatmen and their connection to the Ganga. This series is a response to their stark reality and an understanding of their lives. It does not seek to interpret something that may never be fully grasped but aims to create from their authentic experiences. The series captures the sociological complexity and deep-rooted connection these men have with the land and waters, akin to the sages and ancient faith.
Juxtaposed alongside the work of his son are the magnificent canvas creations of Yusuf Arakkal, clearly reflecting the intersection of their artistic legacies.
The effort in curating an exhibition like ‘Ganga’ was to stay true to a realism that is both authentic and poetic, reflecting Yusuf Arakkal’s influence and Shibu Arakkal’s own artistic evolution.
The exhibition is on display at the Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation premises, Mezzanine Level, 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, Bengaluru 560001 and will remain on display till 10th July 2024
