The Silent Resonance: Calicut Welcomes Its First Exclusive Sculpture Exhibition
The Silent Resonance: Calicut Welcomes Its First Exclusive Sculpture Exhibition
Before we learned to speak, we learned to carve. Sculpture is the art of giving a physical voice to the silent materials of our world, transforming heavy stone, raw wood, and enduring bronze into moving, tangible stories that occupy our space and command our presence.
Historically, Kerala’s sculpting tradition has transitioned seamlessly from sacred temple architecture and masterfully carved wooden beams to radical modern expressions. Icons like Kanayi Kunhiraman shifted the paradigm, bringing sculpture out of traditional boundaries and into public consciousness as a powerful form of contemporary art.
Continuing this profound artistic lineage, Calicut’s cultural landscape is about to witness a historic milestone.
“The Sound of Silence” – A Historic First for Calicut
Art lovers, clear your schedules. Running from May 30 to June 25 , Athma Art Gallery on the historic Gujarati Street (South Beach, Calicut) is hosting “Sound of Silence”. Presented by the Varagreen Artists’ Commune , this landmark event marks the first-ever exclusive sculpture exhibition to be held in Calicut.
Inauguration Event
The grand opening ceremony will take place this evening, May 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM, officially opening the gallery doors to this unprecedented collection.
Following the opening night, the gallery will be open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm , exploring the deep, internal dialogue between structural mass and quiet contemplation. By stripping away acoustic noise, “Sound of Silence” lets the raw mediums of granite, wood, and stone speak their own visceral language.The exhibition showcases the profound works of two of India’s most respected contemporary sculptors: V. K. Rajan and Johns Mathew.
Meet the Artists
V. K. Rajan: Master of Materials
With a career spanning over five decades, V. K. Rajan is a cornerstone of contemporary Indian sculpture. Born in 1956 in Thrissur, Rajan trained under the legendary Kanayi Kunhiraman at M.S. University, Baroda, and later studied under Raghav Kaneria. His mastery spans across granite, wood, bronze, and stone.A former member and Fellow of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, Rajan has taught generations of artists at top fine arts institutions across the state. He is celebrated for his monumental public works, most notably his granite interpretations of characters from O. V. Vijayan’s masterpiece Khasakkinte Ithihasam at Thasrak, Palakkad
Johns Mathew: The Multi-Disciplinary Visionary
Hailing from Kozhikode, Johns Mathew seamlessly bridges the worlds of contemporary sculpture, design, architecture, and video direction. His artistic practice routinely crosses borders, with solo and group exhibitions reaching from Bangalore and Kerala to Scotland, Germany, and Greece.Mathew is deeply involved in monumental public art and major granite carving camps. Alongside V. K. Rajan, he contributed significantly to the granite relief projects inspired by Khasakkinte Ithihasam and the stunning granite architectural works at the Art and Craft Village in Palvelicham, Wayanad. When he isn’t working between India and Greece, he shares his expertise as a visiting faculty member at premier architecture institutions, including NIT Calicut.
Event Details at a Glance
- Exhibition: Sound of Silence (Exclusive Sculpture Exhibition)
- Presenting Commune: Varagreen Artists’ Commune
- Artists: V. K. Rajan & Johns Mathew
- Inauguration: May 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM
- Exhibition Dates: May 30 to June 25
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Venue: Athma Art Gallery, Gujarati Street, South Beach, Calicut
Don’t miss the chance to be part of Calicut’s art history. Walk through the doors of Athma Art Gallery this evening and experience the heavy, beautiful noise of absolute silence.
