Mozart Art Gallery

Mozart Art Gallery, tucked along the banks of the Meenachil River in the historic village of Aymanam just 9 km east of Kumarakom in Kerala, is one of Central Kerala's most charming, authentic, and culturally immersive contemporary art studios.

Founded and curated by the acclaimed native artist B. Radhakrishnan (popularly known as Mozart in Indian artistic circles), this thatched roof bamboo gallery sits in the scenic countryside celebrated globally as the setting for Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize winning novel, The God of Small Things.

It's the home of expressive oil, watercolor, and charcoal paintings depicting rural Kuttanad backwater life, dramatic visual representations of Kathakali and Theyyam performers, hand carved teakwood and terracotta sculptures, traditional leather shadow puppets (Tholpavakoothu), and interactive riverfront watercolor workshops overlooking emerald paddy fields.

It represents a rich cultural haven where traditional Malayali folk heritage, modern Indian fine art, tranquil riverbank nature, and warm local hospitality unite in the backwaters of Kottayam.

Located in Aymanam village, it sits 9 km east of Kumarakom, 6 km northwest of Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), and 80 km south of Cochin International Airport (COK), easily reached by rented bicycle, auto rickshaw, or private taxi along scenic village canals.

The Artist Legacy & Aymanam Inspiration

Artist B. Radhakrishnan established this open air studio to celebrate the vanishing traditions, aquatic flora, and rustic everyday rhythm of his ancestral village of Aymanam.

Constructed using organic bamboo, clay tiles, and repurposed timber, the open gallery allows natural river breezes and sunlight to illuminate the canvases without artificial commercial glare.

Truth is, visiting travelers frequently sit on the veranda with the artist, drinking fresh spiced black tea while discussing the literary history of the Meenachil River and the nuances of Kerala canvas techniques.

Backwater Landscapes & Classical Dance Canvases

Kuttanad Life Series: The gallery features large scale oil canvases portraying traditional country canoes (vallams), fishermen casting Chinese dip nets at dawn, and coconut harvesters working beneath golden tropical skies.

Kathakali & Theyyam Art: A dedicated wing showcases intense portraits of classical performing arts, capturing the vivid green face paint (Pacha) of Kathakali kings, the fiery red headdresses of Theyyam deities, and the delicate facial mudras of Mohiniyattam dancers.

Sculptures, Shadow Puppets & Art Workshops

Folk Sculptures & Puppetry: Visitors can admire miniature teakwood sculptures of temple elephants, terracotta village figurines, and authentic perforated deer leather puppets used in temple shadow theater.

Creative Traveler Workshops: The studio offers personalized watercolor and charcoal sketching sessions where guests learn how to capture the reflection of coconut palms and wooden houseboats on water under the guidance of the master artist.

After exploring the Mozart Art Gallery, take a guided village walk through Aymanam, embark on a houseboat cruise through the palm canals of Kumarakom, or visit the nearby 1,000 year-old Varanad Devi Temple.