In the Thicket of Trees

Born in Kallissery, Kerala, Aji V. N. is known for his intense, imagined landscape paintings. With a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram, and a master's from the College of Art in New Delhi, his first solo exhibit was shown in 1995 in Amsterdam. Over the years, he's travelled around the globe with his work--from Amsterdam, Perth, Madrid, Moscow and Paris to his home turf in Kochi, Kerala. Inspired by nature and its elements, Aji says, "I have always liked thickets of trees, as it brings peace and tranquillity … it feels like home." He created this painting as a refuge for himself. To capture his distinct other-worldly, muted texture he uses a technique called glazing--where he layers several thin, transparent coats of paint to get the desired effect. "Landscape paintings can convey all kinds of emotions and ideas. I am interested in abstraction and figuration, and landscapes help satisfy both my interests, " says Aji. The goal and purpose with this work is to invoke the love of nature in any person who comes across it.