By Anjaly Rajendran
Kumily is home to many artists and scholars. One such artist who has won critical acclaim is Shajee Chelad who settled in Kumily over twenty five years ago. Originally named as Shajee P Madhavan he was born in 1971 at Kothamangalam Thaluk of Ernakulam District in Kerala. His Father was P A Madhavan and Mother’s name was Ammini.
Shajee Chelad completed his Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA) from the College of Arts, Kerala University with specialization in painting. He has received many scholarships and awards for his creative work. He has also held several painting exhibitions all over the world and in India too.
Shajee is currently employed as the Head of the Fine Arts Department at the Scholars’ International School, Qatar. Prior to his current assignment he has worked as a teacher of Fine Art in various schools and colleges of Kerala since 1999. Shajee’s wife Remya Shajee and his daughter Arshika Sha Madhav currently live in Kumily.
Shajee Chelad focuses on inculcating simple techniques among his students to help them convey their message. He also motivates his students to participate in various art competitions.
Shajee considers his paintings as a voice against the cruelties of men towards their fellow men and their environment. His use of colours represents a personal revolt against the atrocities committed against humanity. He paints in different mediums; often trying to bring a new perspective to the place and the society that he lives in. Many of his cartoons and illustrations have appeared in several magazines and periodicals of Kerala from 1987 onwards, under the Pseudonym Shajee Chelad which have earned his current name.
Shajee Chelad has received innumerable awards throughout his career. Noteworthy among them are The Commendation from the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy in 1997, 2000-2001 and 2008-09 (Honorable Mention), Raja Ravivarma State Award for Best Painting in 1997 and 2000, Best Cartoonist Award in 1989, 1990 & 1991 from the Kerala Cartoon Academy, Best Art Teacher Award in 2002 All India National Academy for Art Education, Pune, Adhyapaka Kalavedi State Award in 2003, Adhyapaka Kala Sahithya Samithy State Award 2005, Rotary Club of Thekkady Vocational Award 2005, Qatar International Art Festival Award from UNESCO and MAPS Qatar in 2018 and many, many more.
Shajee Chelad has also participated in several art camps and has worked with M.F.Hussain on the Millennium Painting organised by the Cultural Ministry, Govt. of Kerala in 1999. He has also held several exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions as well.
We at Kumily Calling are proud to call Shajee Chelad as one of our own and wish him all success in all his future endeavours.
