Kerala mural paintings are a type of art done in temples for more than 2000 years by local artists and passed down through families. These paintings are famous for being beautiful, clear, and symmetrical. They were used to show stories from religion and mythology on the walls of temples and churches in South India starting from the 8th century. The artists who create these traditional murals are highly skilled and creative, making this art form a valuable part of Kerala's heritage.

Kerala murals are known for their emphasis on beauty, clarity and symmetry. Murals were used to depict religious and mythological stories drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India from the 8th century. The traditional mural paintings of Kerala are a fine art of skill and creative excellence.

In this art, artists use traditional colours like red, yellow ochre, green, blue, white, and black. This set of colours is called  "panchavarna," meaning five-coloured. Colours are essential in Kerala mural painting, bringing energy and liveliness to the detailed artwork. The colour palette of these paintings is a mix of lively shades, mainly drawn from the beauty of nature. Initially, artists used traditional mineral pigments, but nowadays, modern acrylic and oil-based paints are also used.

The artist has created the Kathakali Face using the traditional method of Kerala mural painting. 

Kathakali is indeed a classical dance-drama form that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and intricate facial expressions. The term "pootham" refers to the Kathakali face makeup, which is an essential aspect of the performance.

The makeup in Kathakali is highly stylized and symbolic, helping to convey the character's nature, emotions, and attributes. There are different types of characters in Kathakali, each with its specific makeup pattern. The colours used in the makeup, along with the facial expressions, contribute to the overall visual impact of the performance. 

 Kathakali performances often depict stories from Hindu epics, mythology, and folklore. The dancers use a combination of hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions to convey the narrative, making it a comprehensive and engaging art form. The elaborate makeup and costumes, including the distinctive Kathakali face, contribute to the uniqueness and beauty of this traditional Indian dance-drama.

This painting is describing a painting that specifically highlights the Kathakali face, emphasizing the elaborate makeup and distinctive features associated with this classical dance-drama form. Such a painting could be a captivating representation of the artistry and cultural richness of Kathakali.

Saju is a student of the famed Guruvayur temple Devaswom-run Institute of Mural Painting with extensive training in fine arts, art history and mural art. The temple, which is renowned for its exquisite murals, set up the Institute in 1989 to train youngsters and preserve the ancient art form. He is also actively involved in restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.

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