New museum in Kollam celebrates A. Ramachandran’s works

Hailing A. Ramachandran as an artist who stood for secular values, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that his art works are a link that connects contemporary Indian painting to its traditional past as well as its future. He was speaking through video-conferencing after inaugurating the A. Ramachandran Museum, dedicated to the renowned painter, set up at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Kollam on Sunday.

A place for reseach

He said that Ramachandran’s works, which focussed on social transformation, are worthier than their market value. The gallery will become a space where art lovers and students can conduct research. The interventions of the State government in the field of art will help connect painting to the masses, he said. 

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian, who presided over the meeting, said that as part of the government’s attempts to bring about changes in the cultural sector, cultural complexes and learning centres are being established in all 14 districts. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani were present.

CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby honoured A. Ramachandran’s wife and painter Chameli Ramachandran and their children Rahul Ramachandran and Sujatha Ramachandran. The museum would showcase the artist’s complete body of work. Along with his paintings, the exhibits will feature his celebrated sculptures, ceramics, stamp designs, and children’s books.