ArtCan
ArtCan is a one-of-its-kind initiative by Apollo Cancer Centres and MeMeraki that uses traditional art as a medium to spread breast cancer awareness. The term ArtCan amalgamates the ‘can’vas with ‘can’cer awareness initiatives. On account of this, we have brought together 6 Kerala Mural artists to illustrate the 8 steps of self breast examination (SBE)– a preventative exercise in cancer detection. These art pieces are now available for purchase. All the sales from your purchase will go to The Apollo Cancer Foundation (ACF), an organisation that works towards making advanced cancer care more accessible to the nation
Adarsh, ArtCan Collection
Adarsh is a mural painter from Kerala, India. He has worked with the government and UNESCO to conserve Kerala Murals across India. Adarsh studied Kerala Mural painting at the Guruvayur Institute from 2003 to 2008. He has exhibited his work all over India and has been instrumental in shaping the ArtCan campaign as the master artist for conceptualising this series. Adarsh has been working with MeMeraki since its inception and has also taught Kerala Mural art to hundreds of art aficionados across the world through MeMeraki’s global platform.
Jijulal, ArtCan Collection
Kerala Mural artist V.M. Jijulal, alumnus of the Institute of Mural Painting Guruvayur, one of the first institutions in the State to devote itself to the art. Jiju began his art conservation projects in 2003 with murals at Kasargod's Ananthapuram temple. Jijulalji took up the challenge to restore the mural work within the Main Temple which was nearly faded. He was awarded Junior fellowship by Ministry of Culture. In 2007 and 2011, he received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage award for his contribution in Heritage Conservation work in the field of conservation of paintings. He has held multiple exhibitions across several cities in India, his art was displayed at an International Painting Exhibition at Jaipur International Art Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In 2013-14, he displayed his art work at Kerala Lalith Kala Academy State Exhibition followed by a solo exhibition in 2014 which was sponsored by the department of culture. He has also exhibited abroad in the exhibitions that were held at GAIA Gallery in Brooklyn, USA and at exhibition held at Nepal Art Council in Kathmandu in 2017. He also participated in an International Mural Painting Camp at Kottayam, organized by the Department of Culture under Government of Kerala.
Ramesh, ArtCan Collection
Ramesh has received a five year long formal diploma training in Kerala Mural Paintings from the Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute. He was trained under Guru Shree.K.U.Krishnakumar. He has displayed his artworks at the Mural painting exhibition which was held in Guruvayoor Devaswom institute in the year 2002, further he also exhibited his artwork at Chitrakala Parishath, Banglore in the years 2005, 2008 and 2019. His work was also exhibited at Eranakulam Durbar Hall in 2019 and this year it was exhibited at Chola Art Gallery at Chalakudy, Kerala.
Vishu-Athira, ArtCan Collection
Athira is an alumna of Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute of Mural Painting. She has been practicing this artform for the past 9 years, the theme that her art portrays is predominantly traditional and also related to the social scenarios. She has participated in various exhibitions, national and international camps, seminars, etc. conducted by organisations such as the Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute of Mural Painting, Kerala Lalit kala Akademi, the South Zone Cultural Center, Thanjavoor, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, the Kendra Lalit kala Academi Regional Center, Chennai, and the Rajasthan Lalit kala Academi, Jaipur. She was awarded a special jury prize at the 11th Mrs. Barbara Sreenivasan Memorial Art Awards in Coimbatore. She was the Kalaratnam awardee in the Kalaratnam Facebook Group International Art Exhibition Competition. The Kerala Department of Culture has awarded her a Diamond Jubilee Fellowship. The Lions International Club of South Thrissur have also honoured her. She is currently employed as a drawing instructor at Engandiyoor Saraswathi Vidyanikethan School.
Vishnusreedhar has been practicing the art of Kerala Mural Paintings for the past 12 years. He is an alumnus of Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute of Mural Paintings, where he was trained under Guru Shree.K.U. Krishnakumar. He displayed his artwork at Guruvayoor Institute’s Mural painting exhibition in the year 2013-14.
Shaiju TK has a 5-year Diploma in Mural Art from the Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute (1998-2003). He has displayed his paintings in exhibitions across various states, including solo exhibitions in 2000 and 2021 as part of the Kerala Lalit kala Academy. He also participates in camps and mural preservation
Vishnu and Athira are a husband wife duo and work together
Saji, ArtCan Collection
Saji is well-known for his mural paintings in Kerala temples, as well as vases, pots, and other materials. He is an alumnus of KGCE School of Fine Arts, he has also completed his Diploma in Tanjore Painting (2003-7) from Kumara Raja School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Chennai. For the past 12 years, he has been practicing Kerala Mural Paintings under the guidance of Master Guru V.M Jijulal. He and his daughter intend to sell their paintings, with the proceeds going to the chief minister's relief fund.
Shaiju , ArtCan Collection
Shaiju TK has a 5-year Diploma in Mural Art from the Guruvayoor Devaswom Institute (1998-2003). He has displayed his paintings in exhibitions across various states, including solo exhibitions in 2000 and 2021 as part of the Kerala Lalit kala Academy. He also participates in camps and mural preservation
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