Mayena, an art curator from France, quickly made a decision to purchase a painting that captivated her at the India Art Fest. The banner above the artwork revealed the artist’s name as Surumi Mammootty. Curious, Mayena inquired about Surumi’s origins, to which she responded, “Kerala,” bringing a smile of recognition to Mayena’s face. Little did Mayena know that Surumi was the daughter of the renowned actor Mammootty. The painting that she acquired, a nature-themed piece, had taken Surumi over a month of dedicated work.
Surumi was participating in the India Art Fest at the Constitution Club alongside her childhood friend and professional painter, Deepshikha Khaitan. Surumi’s first painting sold within minutes of the exhibition’s opening, leading her to share her excitement with her ‘Vappachi.’ His response was typically reserved, “well and good.”
Surumi’s usual style involves sketching nature with a minimalist approach to colors. However, she had once used a striking color combination when creating a portrait of her father for Manorama on his birthday. The joy she derived from being recognized as an artist without reference to her famous family was indescribable.
Trees hold a special place in Surumi’s artwork. Her drawings intricately capture the nuances of the ecosystem surrounding trees, from the leaves’ sultriness to the roots’ depth and the creatures that inhabit them.
When asked about holding an exhibition in Kerala, Surumi simply smiled, suggesting no such plans at the moment. As for whether Dulquer would attend, she burst into laughter, anticipating chaos. Mammootty was eager to hear about the opening day’s response, delighted to learn that two paintings had already been sold.
Surumi’s core medium is pen and paper, offering the convenience of working anytime, anywhere, including during travel breaks. She captures scenes with her camera and then meticulously sketches them, sometimes taking months to complete a single piece.
Surumi doesn’t approach painting with detailed planning but aims to maintain the subtlety of the scenes in her mind. She begins with a mental deadline, which she later translates to paper. The India Art Fest, running from November 2 to November 5, is where her work is on display.
Having chosen painting as her elective subject in class 9, Surumi pursued her education in London. She is a full-time artist and also teaches painting at the LightHouse International in Bengaluru. Surumi resides in Bengaluru with her husband, Muhammad Raihan Shahid, and their two children, Adhyan and Efsin.
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