Artistry Unveiled: Photographing Surumy Mammootty's Artistic Essence
I had the pleasure of meeting Surumy Mammootty for the first time in New Delhi at the India Art Fest in October '23. My wife, originally from Kerala, noticed the name “Mammootty” on the exhibition banner and a sense of familiarity washed over her. Intrigued, I asked Surumy where she hailed from, and her response, “Kerala,” brought a smile to my face, as I've always been eager to delve into the mindset and thought processes of artists who come from the culturally vibrant states of South India.
After a brief introduction, during which I shared my interests and invited her to participate in my ongoing photo project where I photograph artists and artisans in their studios, she promptly agreed without any hesitation.
Initially, I found myself at a loss on how to guide her in capturing photographs. My mind was too captivated by the works of the renowned American photographer Philippe Halsman, well-known for photographing iconic painters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. His style profoundly influenced my imagination. It was at this point that I keenly realised the delicate balance in creating favourable impressions of someone's work. There was a risk of unintentionally imitating them and potentially losing the authenticity of my own creative process. As a photographer, I became acutely aware of the importance of being cautious in drawing inspiration from others' work to ensure that it enhances rather than hinders my original thought process.
Several weeks following our initial meeting, I chose to reconnect with her. Inspired by my contemplations, I decided to communicate my thoughts through photography, drawing inspiration from the works of Philippe Halsman. In response to those references, she immediately remarked, "You'll need to figure out how; my working style and space aren't as thrilling as those depicted in the images. Nevertheless, I'm highly intrigued to witness what emerges from this collaboration.”
That evening, upon returning home, I shared with my wife the news of my upcoming photography session with Surumy at her Bengaluru studio. It was then that she casually mentioned Surumy's illustrious lineage: being the daughter of the legendary Malayalam actor “Mammootty” and the sister of “Dulquer Salman.” A mix of excitement and a tinge of fear crept in as I realised the importance of capturing the moment flawlessly.
Stepping into her studio in Bengaluru, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, akin to stepping into the home of Divya (played by Revathi) in Mani Ratnam's film Mouna Ragam. The space exuded simplicity, adorned with a handful of easels, antique-style furniture, ongoing paintings, abstract faces, and various art supplies.
The adage holds true: artists discover solace within the worlds they create, reflecting their thoughts, perspectives, and innermost selves. In this series, I have strived to ensure that these photographs act as a mirror to her inner child, artfully integrating visual elements as evidence of the inspirations that shape her world.
