Kerala

Weekly Photo Challenge: Cover Art – The Transformation

Sreejith Nair

If there is one picture, that could undoubtedly represent the exotic North Kerala, then that should be of “Theyyam“.

Where meager mortals transforms to immortals and  bless the devotees with the divine dance.

Let me share this image for this Week’s Photo Challenge

CoverArt_Theyyam-1You can have a look at my post Theyyam: The Divine dance from God’s own country for more images.

Published by Sreejith Nair

I am from the south indian state of kerala, and now living in Bangalore. My passion is travelling and photography.

40 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Cover Art – The Transformation”

  2. (EN) Your photos are rich of meanings….not one but several(I remember that one “dad’s eyes looking her daughter that looks a small insect”)…Now a human being,a god,art,a belief and a culture.Thanks a lot 🙂
    (IT)Le tue foto sono ricche di significati…non uno ma parecchi(mi ricordo quella”gli occhi di un padre che guarda la figlia che guarda un piccolo insetto”)…Ora un essere umano,un dio,arte,un credo e una cultura.Grazie mille 🙂

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    1. If you love photography, then Theyyam is the best thing to photograph I feel 🙂

      Here I was lucky to get the light right and so is the timing 🙂

      Thank you so much, Crystal for your comments …

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    1. Nice to hear that, Cardinal 🙂

      Theyyam is usually performed in small temples in North Kerala called, “Kavu”, means small woods right in the middle of villages.

      Most of the performances are at night and under the oil lamps, so the ambiance is really dramatic.

      If you ever plan to see a Theyyam performance in Kerala, best time is from December to March…

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  9. Sreejith, this glimpse into a make-up session reminds me of our experience watching a Kathakali performance in Fort Kochi. Prior to the main show, the audience had a chance to watch the actors get transformed through their elaborate make-up. Certainly a memorable afternoon in Kerala!

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    1. I heard that, the make up of Kathakali is the most time consuming and complex one.

      It’s great to hear that you got a chance to see the make up session and frankly speaking, I haven’t get a chance to see a Kathakali performance yet.

      Kathakali is not much popular in North Kerala and Theyyam is not at all there in South.

      Thank you so much for taking your time and commenting Tricia, have a beautiful day ahead 🙂

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  11. Boy, that is a powerful shot. The make-up, profile of the nose/lips along with the artists brush…great timing on the photo. This looks as if it belongs on the cover of the performance program!

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    1. That’s a great word of appreciation, Dalo, you have made my day 🙂

      I had home advantage. This performance was taking place quite near to my home, and I know the people too.

      So I had easy access to the make up section and every thing went well with the image creation part 🙂

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      1. Knowing the people, or at least developing a nice rapport with them does make it better (and more interesting for everyone, including the viewer)…the personality comes out with such photos. 🙂

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  12. well I am glad to learn about Theyyam – sounds very cool…. and your photo – well I like how this is literal “cover art” as the paintbrush is putting on a stroke of paint – to cover the face – so there is a literal feel to the challenge prompt – and the figurative. I had the chance to read some of the other comments and I agree – the lighting and angle of the subject is “just right” 🙂

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    1. So nice to see your thoughts here, Yvette 🙂

      Theyyam is part of our life here, in North Kerala (In South India).

      If you ever get a chance, try to visit Kerala during Theyyam season, I am sure, you would enjoy this 🙂

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      1. I really think i would enjoy it as well – thx – and well side note – I just had some India on the mind earlier – I bought some palak paneer from a store called trader joe’s – and it was yum. And last month I found some packs of India cuisine at a different store – and they were really good. I love this food so much. But I bet it is not the same as eating fresh right in India – and so when I do visit, I will try to make sure it is during Theyyam season – and I really look forward to the food too!

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  13. I was riveted by this image. It does appear that a transformation is taking place, as if another time and being were being brought forth. Quite powerful!

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    1. It’s so nice to see your thoughtful comment, Linda…

      I am so happy that you could very well relate to my thoughts here.

      Theyyam is not just an art form for the people of my native, it’s symbolic in many ways.

      Have a beautiful day ahead 🙂

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  15. what a great photo, Sreejith… made me immediately click on the reference link you have posted here about the festival… omg, this is amazing… when did you take the picture, Wikipedia says the festival is held once in 12 years, if I have understood correctly? this is definitely a very unique event to attend and photograph…

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    1. I am so happy that this image evoked such a nice impression 🙂

      There are hundreds of temples in our area where Theyyam is performed. In most of the places, it’s an annual event and in some places it’s celebrated at mush longer intervals.

      There are some special Theyyams(Muchilott Bhagavathi) performed only once in 12 years or even 27 years … I feel Wikipedia mentioned about this.

      Anyways, this folklore or performing art is something so connected to the people of this area and it’s something really special 🙂

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  16. Excellent composition Reminds me of the classic photo-documentary style used in the National Geographic magazine. A window on another world. 🙂

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    1. I am so humbled by your comment and it’s really an honor to receive such words of appreciation from an artist like you 🙂

      It really motivates and I am sure, makes me more responsible to come up with good images 🙂

      Have a great time …

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  18. Amazing photo. Your shot brings so much life, not to mention that the character in the photo is gearing up to bring life in his character when in front of his audience. One of the best shots I have seen of such a kind 😉

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