Whispers of Intimate Things
Shibu Arakkal’s images are imaginative glimpses of intimate things. They reveal how even common objects can be seen and treasured in infinite ways.
Being intuitive, interpretive and poetic responses to critical visual inquiry, they celebrate the unsung presence and guise of natural and man-made matter.
Lyrical Allegories
Seen from another perspective, Shibu’s images are not really about physical objects at all. They explore the gorgeous mysteries of nothingness, and unearth the pickings of an implausible treasure.
The images are not besieged in the confines of space, time and material. They are not visual explanations of a targeted, premeditated destination; more accurately, they stand out as evocative fragments of a momentarily interrupted journey.
The visually chronicled expedition is a memorial and a lyrical allegory of the natural and created milieu. It is a moving document of a nostalgic terrain as well as a fascinating model of the world that could be.
Abstracted Forms, Geometric Patterns
In his recent photographs, Shibu meticulously documents a sequence of inspired images that present the facade of other-worldly grandeur.
Gentle geometric patterns absorbing arrangements and multi-dimensional views are punctuated by teasing looks, capturing the nuances of refined architectural interiors. Captured by glimmering strokes of gently grazing light, the richly detailed ‘subjects’ exude a unique warmth and affection. Presenting incredibly original views of elegantly abstracted forms, Shibu concurrently reveals a passionate understanding of the environment.
Shibu’s image bears a connection with ideas, associations and interfaces. Their engagement with the viewer is in terms of an intimate and revealing dialogue – at times muted, but more often silent.
The result is a striking body of work – intense and inventive, lucent and lyrical, patterned and rhythmic, classical and contemporary, sensual and cerebral.
Art Writer | Bangalore | 2006