Renowned sculptor Sabu Joseph, genius behind statues of political leaders, passes away

KOTTAYAM: Renowned sculptor Sabu Joseph (77) of the Kanjirappally Karippaparampil family passed away in Thiruvananthapuram. He is the son of the late K C Joseph and Achamma couple, of the Kanjirappally Karippaparampil family. Sabu Joseph is the grandson of Chevalier Artist P J Cherian and nephew of freedom fighters Achamma Cherian and Rosamma Punnoose.

He is the brother of the prominent film cinematographer Saloo George. The funeral will be held later.

Sabu's oeuvre includes statues of prominent political leaders in Kerala. It starts with C Kesavan in Thiruvananthapuram, to Akkamma Cherian, and KM George in Muvattupuzha. Statues of PT Chacko and Benjamin Bailey in Kottayam city also came from Sabu’s genius.

He has also made statues of Saint Alphonsa, Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan, Cardinal Joseph Parekkattil, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Vaidyaratnam P S Varier, film director Kunchacko, former Bishop of Kottayam Diocese Mar Thomas Tharayil, Kattakayam Cherian Mappila, and Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus at AKJM School in Kanjirappally.

Sabu completed his education at Kanjirappally AKJM School, Thumba St. Xavier's College, and Madras College of Arts and Crafts. Sabu completed his five-year diploma and post-diploma course from Madras College of Arts and Crafts in just four years, as he was given leeway for his academic excellence.

Wife: Kanjirapally Kadamapuzha Fatima. Children: Ann Tresa Alphonse, Rosemary Antony, Liz Maria Sabu. Son-in-law: Praveen Alphonse John Pittapally, Antony Jose Konikkara.