Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Artist Tom Vattakuzhy's Solo Exhibition in Kolkata
Tom Vattakuzhy, an artist from Kerala, had his first solo exhibition in India called 'The Shadows of Absence' in Kolkata.
He showed 16 paintings that tell stories about family life, simplicity, and the changes in society.
His art is special because he uses light in a unique way, which comes from his childhood fear of the dark.
He studied art in Santiniketan and was influenced by famous artists like K.G. Subramanyan and Somnath Hore.
Tom believes art should come from the heart and be a personal expression.
He wanted to show his work in India because it's his home and the stories in his paintings are very personal to him.
Tom Vattakuzhy's first solo exhibition in India, 'The Shadows of Absence', was held in Kolkata in July.
The exhibition featured 16 works depicting suburban agrarian settings and family life with a focus on simplicity and social changes.
Vattakuzhy's use of light in his art stems from his childhood fear of the dark and his fascination with shadows.
The artist studied in Santiniketan under influential mentors K.G. Subramanyan and Somnath Hore, shaping his artistic philosophy.
Vattakuzhy believes art should be a personal expression, grounded in one's own experiences and emotions.
- Who
- Artist Tom Vattakuzhy
- What
- Solo art exhibition titled 'The Shadows of Absence'
- When
- July, during monsoons
- Where
- Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata, India
- Why
- To showcase Vattakuzhy's artistic journey and personal narratives
- Artist
- Tom Vattakuzhy
- Exhibition Title
- The Shadows of Absence
- Location
- Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata
- Number of Works
- 16
- Curator
- Prof. R. Siva Kumar
- Supporting Organizations
- The Institute of Contemporary Indian Art (ICIA) and AstaGuru
- Artist's Background
- Kerala-based, studied in Santiniketan under K.G. Subramanyan and Somnath Hore