FLIGHT OF EMOTIONS

TNIE delves into the evolution of a unique Kochi airport art project that showcases Kathakali legend Kalamandalam Gopi expressing the navarasas

- KRISHNA P S

ITH its vivid colours and intricate designs, the kathakali mask has, over the years, become synonymous with Kerala's rich cultural heritage. And among the many artists who perform this dance-drama, there's one face that has come to personify the state's cherished art form - Kalamandalam Gopi, fondly known as Gopi Asan.

So, when Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) thought of an artwork to present the soul of Kerala to the passengers that pass through its gates, CEO S Suhas didn't have to think twice. And thus was born Navarasas - nine frames depicting the Navarasas of Bharathan, the architect of Indian theatre and abhinaya. It now adorns the wall of CIAL's Business Jet Terminal.

But one would wonder, why an airport, where people come just to board the planes, would need such an extensive collection of rare artwork.

Well, Suhas points out that the airport is not just a transport hub. "It's also where people relax and unwind after each leg of their travel. And what better way to do that than by an immersion in art? Art that also provides a peek into Kerala," he says.

To depict Kerala, usually it's an artwork portraying our flora and fauna, the landscape and backwaters; or our rich heritage and culture. We had already done up the 0484 Lounge with rare landscapes and backwaters. So this time, we decided on kathakali and subsequently, Navarasas as the theme," Suhas adds.