A studio & art gallery that rose above all adversities

Thiruvananthapuram: Artist Sajitha R Shankhar who has converted her rented living place at Ambalamukku to a studio and art gallery says the concept came from a deep-rooted sense of difficulty to survive in recent times.
"As an artist and someone who lives alone, survival became a major issue during the pandemic. One thing about being a woman is that when you absolutely know your strengths, you tend to rise above the challenges that come your way. The idea for this studio was also born out of a need for my own intellectual space where I can practice complete artistic freedom and independence,” said Sajitha.
She hopes that her new space would be home to engage in conversations with like-minded art enthusiasts.
“Art can only be learnt further through interactions and sharing one’s experiences. Here I welcome anyone who appreciates art, and especially young artists to meet, engage and exchange ideas,” she said.
Sajitha's art classes are for anyone from 8 to 80 years of age. “Classes here are like art therapy where I assist them to explore life better by understanding the medium of art,” said the senior artist who also heads the Gowry Art Residency in Kallar.
The studio art gallery, which was inaugurated by minister R Bindu on Tuesday, currently hosts an exhibition of her earlier works and the latest additions from the on-going series ‘Alterbodies’. The expo will conclude on May 26.