An artist lifetime depend on the life time of his portraits, based on this concept an artist can live long in human history. His well-wishers believe Saju Thuruthil has been blessed with a sign of God in his heart and he is transferring that glory to his Mural Paintings.
Kerala history says that Wall Paintings were the ancient and traditional form of art that was enjoyed by the upper class of the society, mainly authorizes of temple, church, mansions etc. In ancient Kerala, temple and churches are centre of art and civilization and the political situation that existed in Kerala contributed to the development of Mural Art.
Recent studies shows that the mural arts are decorating inner walls of 120 temples all over Kerala. The single largest panel of Mural Painting is Sree krishnapuram palace and museum in kayamkulam Alappuzha district Kerala .Themes of the Mural Painting are mostly selected from purana, itihasa incidents and characters.
In Kerala most of the famous mural paintings are on temple walls and it is not accessible to non-Hindus. A large group of public was not able to experience and enjoy these classical painting forms because of this limitation.
From 14th century onwards Kerala Mural Painting underwent gradual development in techniques and practice. The most prolific period of mural art considered as 16th and 18th century. Two types of mural tradition was in vogue in Kerala state they are classical style and miniature style.
Guruvayoor devaswom’s took a decision to transform kerala Mural Painting which can be enjoyed even by the public. This was considered as a courageous decision in 1989.
The decision of Guruvayoor Devaswom to start a mural art study center in gurukula method with 10 students was a brave decision. With the help of senior mural artist chiefly Sri Mammyiur Krishnankutty Nair. The Guruvayur Devaswom’s Institute of Mural Painting was established in the year 1989.
Kerala mural painting contributed to the India art tradition in a substantial ratio. Considering Indian mural art Kerala stand second place after Rajasthan.
The root of Kerala mural art is based on ancient dravida art form kalamezhuthu which has connection to “Rock Cut Temple” in kanyakumari district Kerala.
Saju in his 25 years of mural painting revolution has analysed that it is a silent movement in Kerala because it is happening in a small place like kerala
So it form of art has never got a wider recognition like any other European cultural affair. Even though it has not gained much recognition internationally it is still recognized, widely discussed and noticed by common man in recent years.
In these years Kerala mural art changed in such a way that an even common public likes to paint their house walls or have it in their private painting collection.
Even ladies like to wear a saree with mural painting and are keen to preserve it as precious as their most beautiful ornament.