Renowned cardiologist displays artworks made during the pandemic

Art from the Heart, a collection of paintings by Dr Benny Panakkal, renowned cardiologist was inaugurated by Amit Narang, Indian Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday evening.

Bhavalaya, a global platform for promotion of art and culture is presenting the ten-day event at Hotel City Seasons this week.

The guests of honour were Maryam al Zadjali, renowned artist and Tahira al Maawali, Director of Omani Society for Arts. The exhibition is open to the public from July 21st to July 30th, from 10 am to 7 pm.

“Nature is what inspires me. I enjoy watercolour the most. Many of the watercolour paintings are works inspired by photos taken by friends and some from the digital space. Some of the acrylic paintings that are being presented at this exhibition are of natural settings and sceneries. Particularly of interest are city landscapes from the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. Some of the abstract oil paintings pertain to Covid — uncertainty of life and later the rays of new hope,” explained Dr Benny.

The cardiologist who takes a break with paintbrush and canvas, Dr Benny Panakkal has been working as a senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi, since the last 19 years (from March 2003). Dr Panakkal’s professional interests are mainly in coronary angioplasty and interventions through the wrist; as well as in advanced echocardiography. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Cardiology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India.

The Chairman and founder of Bhavalaya, Dr J Retnakumar said he was pleasantly surprised when he discovered the cardiologist’s passion for art.

“The pandemic era had so many negative aspects, but here is a positive aspect that gives us inspiration and hope. Some of his paintings also reflect these aspects of death as well as hope,” Dr Retnakumar pointed out.

He added, “Bhavalaya’s vision is to create a universal platform for artists from all over the globe with no barrier. We are here for all aspirants who believe in serving the global society through various media of ancient and modern art and culture. We are proud to present a collection of 40 paintings by Dr Benny.”

Although Dr Panakkal had passion for painting from an early age, after entering the post graduate resident training and subsequent clinical and hospital practice, this passion took a back seat and was almost forgotten, that is until the pandemic (Covid-19) era.

During the lockdown of Covid, the flair for canvas, paint and brush was reinvented as staying at home during the days of lockdown gave enough time and opportunity to revive and reignite the passion for art after a long gap.

The paintings at the exhibition are the products of Covid and post Covid period.