Faculty of Art

Sculpture/Installation

Gabriel George

Echoes of the Divine (Center), Folklore Reimagined (Left), Divine Fragments (Right)

This installation draws inspiration from Theyyam, an ancient ritualistic performance from northern Kerala, India, where dance, music, and divinity converge as performers embody living deities. The work pays tribute not only to the Theyyam tradition but also to the artisans who have sustained its intricate practices across generations. Positioned beyond a singular cultural narrative, the installation highlights the shared visual languages, symbolic attire, and ritual expressions that connect diverse global folk traditions.Comprising three parts, the central piece is directly rooted in Theyyam, showcasing the elaborate headdresses, facial motifs, and sacred presence characteristic of the performance. The two accompanying works incorporate Theyyam elements alongside symbols from other indigenous traditions, examining the parallels between ritualistic and artistic expressions worldwide.Materials such as paper, cardboard, yarn, wood, mirrors, and natural elements—sourced locally in Canada—were chosen to mirror the resourcefulness of traditional craftspeople. Every element is handmade, reinforcing the thematic focus on craftsmanship, storytelling, and spirituality.While firmly grounded in historical practices, the installation adopts a contemporary interpretive framework, reimagining ancient visual and sonic languages for a modern context. Soundscapes further enhance the immersive quality of the installation, evoking the atmosphere of live ritual performances. Overall, this project celebrates the endurance and evolution of cultural heritage, emphasizing the ways traditions adapt, interconnect, and remain vital across time and geography.

“Theyyam is an ancient ritual from northern Kerala, India. This art form blends dance, music, and divinity, where the performer transforms into a living god. My art installation is inspired by this powerful tradition. It also honors the skilled craftspeople who have kept this art alive for many generations. This artwork is not just about Theyyam, it also highlights how stories, colors, music, and costumes from different cultures around the world are connected. Many tribal and folk traditions share similar ways of expressing their beliefs and history. The installation has three main parts. The centerpiece is entirely based on Theyyam, showcasing its elaborate headpieces, facial designs, and spiritual presence. On either side are two additional pieces that blend Theyyam elements with symbols from other folk traditions. These works explore how different cultures use art and rituals in similar ways across time. I created this work using simple, locally sourced materials from Canada such as paper, cardboard, yarn, wood, mirrors, and natural elements. This reflects how traditional artists use available resources to craft their costumes and ritual objects. Everything is handmade with care, emphasizing the deep connection between craft, storytelling, and spirituality. While rooted in history, the installation takes a contemporary approach, reinterpreting ancient visual languages through a modern lens. It also includes sound, creating an immersive experience that feels like a real ritual performance. Through this work, I aim to celebrate the way artists and craftspeople keep cultural stories alive and how traditions continue to evolve while staying connected across the world.”