About Kabani Collections
My Artistic Journey
My artistic journey began with a deep fascination for realism—capturing the seen world with sincerity and precision. Though I occasionally explored abstraction, realism remained the core language of my work. What drives me to create is a combination of my childhood growing up in Mukkam orphanage, the years I spent as a photographer in the Middle East, and my deep interest in Indian mythology.
The spice trade and trade routes between Arabia, the West, and my south Indian village have molded my world as I know it. This rich history, traditions, and literature have been the primary theme of my works.
A Path of Experimentation
I started with oil and watercolor, later expanding into pastels, colored pencils, and acrylics as quality materials became more accessible. Yet, oil painting continues to be my primary medium—a space of constant exploration and discovery.
I have experimented for years, teaching myself the tricks and techniques through my own works. I’ve tried oil and dry pastels on different surfaces like velvet cloth and hardboard. I even began working on traditional Kerala-style mural paintings, sticking to the challenging restrictions on strokes and colors to create beautiful works.
Over time, my creative focus evolved around the idea of “a painting that can be read like a poem.” This vision led to my Creative Landscapes series—works that invite viewers to look beyond the immediate surface. What first appears as a familiar landscape gradually transforms, revealing hidden forms and quiet details that engage the observer in a dialogue of perception. For me, the essence of art lies in renewal. There should be no monotony in an aesthetic experience.
A Life in Art & Teaching
I was born in Klari Moochikkal, Kerala. At the age of four, I lost my father, and because of the financial hardships my family faced, my siblings and I were sent to live at the Mukkam Muslim Orphanage. My early years were shaped by resilience and responsibility; by age twelve, I was working as a part-time photographer to help support my family. At fifteen, while still in school, I won the painting competition at the 26th Kerala State Arts Festival—a moment that fueled my lifelong devotion to art.
About forty-five years ago, the region where I grew up offered few opportunities to learn art. Though I tried to pursue formal training, I had to discontinue my studies due to financial difficulties. However, thanks to the compassion of a dedicated teacher, I was able to develop and refine my skills, earning a living by creating portraits and landscapes.
After spending several years (1989–1994) working as a photographer in Saudi Arabia, a car accident forced me to take a year off. It was during this time of recovery that I made the decision to return to India and devote myself fully to painting. In 1995, I founded Kabani Arts—a drawing school and painting shop in Kottakkal. It began as a humble studio, and even my mentor initially discouraged this path. Yet, after three decades, I am proud to continue nurturing the same institution.
Growing up without easy access to learning resources, I feel a deep responsibility to help children and young artists. Over the years, I have taught many students free of charge, particularly those facing physical or financial barriers. I have trained children with paralysis to paint using their mouths and toes, striving to break down the walls between adversity and artistic expression.
My works are now held in the collections of art lovers across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, United States, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Russia. I continue to seek new ways to expand my visual language beyond oil painting, experimenting with alternative surfaces to address the challenge of mold in Kerala’s humid climate.
Through perseverance and creative exploration, I strive to make art both accessible and transformative—cultivating a community where creativity can thrive, regardless of circumstance.