January 18, 2024

Manojith Krishnan and His Journey Beyond Realism

Manojith Krishnan's journey into the world of pencil art is a story of serendipity and personal connections rather than a conscious pursuit of surrealism. His foray into art began with human figures, particularly focusing on the nuances of posture and expression.

Manojith Krishnan and His Journey Beyond Realism

One such instance, a sketch of a woman sitting, sparked a deeper thought process. He noticed something missing in the sketch and envisioned the woman's sitting posture as being influenced by something tangled at her feet. This visual led him to reminisce about a sewing machine from his childhood, a familiar object with many fond memories attached.

The sewing machine for Manojith was more than just a machine; it was a part of his childhood, filled with intricate parts and functions he knew well. Connecting this memory to the woman's posture, he created a unique piece that resonated with many. The positive response to this initial sewing machine-related sketch encouraged him to explore this theme further, ultimately leading to a series of similar works.

Manojith’s creative process is organic and intuitive. He doesn’t follow any specific rituals to get into his artistic zone. His inspiration stems from his everyday life and experiences, making his art relatable and grounded.

The culture of Kerala, Manojith's homeland, plays a significant role in his artwork. The local environment, with its rich sounds, sights, and experiences, seamlessly weaves into his pieces. In his sewing machine series, for instance, the choice of the woman's costume and the sewing machine model are deliberate, reflecting a specific time period in Kerala's history.

Since beginning his artistic journey in 2013, Manojith's approach to art has evolved remarkably. Initially inspired by realism and portraits, he gradually shifted towards creating more conceptually driven pieces that communicate directly with the audience. This evolution marks a significant transition in his artistic narrative, focusing more on the ideas and stories behind his creations.

Currently, Manojith has not delved into collaborations with other artists, focusing instead on developing his skills and understanding of art fundamentals as a self-taught artist.

Regarding dream projects, Manojith prefers to stay in the present, focusing on continuous learning and improvement rather than outlining specific future plans.

If his pencils could express their thoughts, they would likely speak of his potential, growth, and the journey of learning that is evident in each stroke. For Manojith, inspiration often comes from everyday objects and revolves around specific subjects or characters. The inception of the sewing machine concept, a blend of memory and creative interpretation, is a perfect example of his spontaneous inspiration.

Manojith finds that the challenge in art is not so much in the creation of a piece but in discovering the right concept that ignites his creative spark. It’s this conceptualization phase that he finds both challenging and fulfilling.

Preferring to maintain a distinction between art and reality, Manojith enjoys his artworks as a creator and observer, rather than imagining himself within them.

Manojith Krishnan's pencil art is a unique blend of personal memories, cultural influences, and imaginative interpretations. His work, rooted in his experiences and observations, continues to evolve, showcasing his journey as an artist committed to personal growth and artistic exploration.