Chamayam – the art of bewildering

Handmade Embossed portrait  using  white Epoxy Compound (M-seal) and Acrylic colors on plywood.

Size36 x 52 cm

Date of Creation : 02 Feb 2011

               "Kathakali, the distinctive and colorful dance-drama of Kerala".Kathakali has a unique dress code. The nature of the dress and the make up the actors wear reflect the personality of the characters. The faces of the main characters are painted with bright colors,Gods, Kings, and Hero have green faces.In terms of the make up the characters are classified into five types. They are “Pacha’, ‘Kari’, ‘Katti’, ‘Thadi’, and ‘Minukku’.

•  Pacha (Green): The divine and heroic characters have green faces. There will be black markings around their eyes. The forehead bears the sacred mark of God Vishnu. They also wear ‘chutti’ that consists of white paper and rice paste. They also wear ‘Kirita’ (crown) on their head. Krihna, Rama, Leva, Kusa, Lakshmana have this make up.

• Kari (Black): The evil women characters have black faces. There will be red and white dots as well.

• Katti (Knife): Evil and impudent characters have this make up. However, they are high born and to indicate this, their make up is basically green. They have a red knife like marking on the face. The white knobs on the nose and the forehead indicate that they are evil basically. Ravana, Duryodana, Keechaka belong to this category.

• Thadi (Beard): There are three types of ‘Thadis’. ‘Chuvappu Thadi’, ‘Velutha Thadi’, and ‘Karutha Thadi’.

• Minukku’: It indicates that the character is a gentle one. Their face is painted in yellow. Brahmins, sages and messengers belong to this category.