Kerala, also known as "God’s Own Country", has a rich culture that includes its visual arts. Many of the state's artists have received national and international recognition for their contribution to painting. Here are the five best painting artists in Kerala:
1. Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906)
Background: Raja Ravi Varma, perhaps the most famous artist in Kerala. His paintings depicting scenes from Indian epics and mythologies are renowned. They are painted in an academic European style. His works, which were created in Travancore by an aristocratic Travancore family, are known for the attention to detail they display and their realistic depiction of characters.
Varma’s Artistic Style: Varma’s style is a mix of Indian themes and European techniques. He introduced a new dimension in Indian art with his use of oil paintings and Western artistic principles. Some of his most famous works are "Shakuntala," “Damayanti,” and "The Milkmaid."
Legacy Raja Ravi Varma’s art was instrumental in making Indian mythology more accessible to a larger audience. His work remains influential and many institutions and awards are named after him.
2. K. C. S. Paniker (1911-1977)
Background: K. C. S. Paniker was a modernist artist who spent most of his career in Kerala. He was born in Coimbatore. He was an important figure in Indian Modern Art and the founder the Cholamandal Artists' Village which became a center for contemporary Indian art.
Style of Art: Paniker evolved from impressionist landscapes into abstract art. His later work is known for its use of indigenous motifs and symbolism. He incorporated Indian scripts and Tantra into his paintings to create a unique fusion between traditional and modern art.
Legacy Paniker’s contributions to Indian Art extend beyond his works. His efforts to establish the Cholamandal Artists' Village provided a nurturing atmosphere for countless Indian artists, ensuring that contemporary Indian art continues to grow.
3. T. K. Padmini (1940-1969)
Background: T. K. Padmini is one of Kerala's most prominent female artists, known for vibrant and expressive paintings. She made significant contributions to Indian Art, especially in portraying rural life and women, despite her short life.
Artistic style: Padmini’s paintings are known for their vibrant colors and emotional subjects. She painted scenes of rural Kerala with a focus on women's lives and struggles. Her works are deeply personal, evocative and emotional. She combined realism and a sense lyrical fantasia.
Legacy T. K. Padmini, who died at a young and inexperienced age, left a lasting impression on Indian art. Her work is still praised for its emotional depth and depiction of women's lives.
4. C. N. Karunakaran (1940-2013)
Background: C. N. Karunakaran is a well-known painter and illustrator who was born in Kerala. He made significant contributions to fine art and commercial arts. He played an important role in popularizing the modern art movement in Kerala.
Style of Art: Karunakaran’s style is characterized by simplicity and clarity. He depicted scenes from everyday life with a hint of surrealism and a blend of traditional and modern elements. His works were visually appealing and accessible because of his use of vibrant colors and fluid lines.
Legacy Karunakaran’s influence is felt in his work as an artist and illustrator, where he introduced a distinctive aesthetic to different media. In Kerala, his legacy is celebrated by many artists who draw inspiration from his art.
5. Akkitham Narayanan (1939-2022)
Background: Akkitham Narayan was an abstract painter whose works were known for their geometric precision, spiritual depth and artistic contribution. He was born in Kerala but spent most of his adult life in France where he developed his unique style.
Artistic style: Narayanan’s paintings are distinguished by their geometric shapes and symbolism of color. His abstract compositions were often inspired by Indian philosophy and spirituality. His work reflects a harmonious blend between Eastern and Western art traditions.
Legacy Narayanan has received recognition both in India and abroad for his abstract art. His contributions have enhanced the global understanding and appreciation of Indian modern art. His works continue to inspire future generations of artists.
