How KM Vasudevan Namboodiri and CN Karunakaran redefine the artistic language of Kerala

Two artists who had re -defined and prepared a contemporary body of work to re -define the artistic heritage of Kerala, were recently recalled at an exhibition called ‘Masterpiece: A Tribute’. Organized at the College of Fine Arts at Thiruvananthapuram, it included 31 works of artist KM Vasudevan Namboodiri and 85 works of CN Karunakaran. Taking inspiration from Kerala’s visual art traditions, both came with a color palette and style.

Both KCS Panikikar and Roy Chaudhary’s students were trained in Chennai and their work was deeply influenced by the movement of lively artists of the city. He was also painted novels and short stories by the head of Malayalam writers, and contributed as art directors in films. But similarities end there.

The piece of art of Vasudevan Nambothiris reflects women engaged in daily tasks. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Vasudevan (1925–2023) displayed remarkable versatility, working in various means such as paper, canvas, wood, stone, cement, fiber and copper. The exhibition demonstrated its mastery to re -create a Kerala, which is almost away.

A charcoal picture of Karunakaran by Vasudevan welcomed visitors to the gallery. There were 31 tasks on the performance, including charcoal sketches and oils, which are among their final compositions. His birth centenary will be celebrated by the Government of Kerala on 13 September.

Since most of his work reflects the culture and traditions of the field, the exhibition shows pieces showing women from different communities. MunduFour of them were tasks – one charcoal and three pastels on paper – showing Christian women Chatta-munduReputed by HugeOr backwards, backwards. Many do many things that tell Muslim women about their routine who are wearing clothes with ancient white. Thatam (Head covered cloth) and also women of Hindu community.

Many works of Vasudevan were made for a single show, in sepia tone, Ante KeralamDeepa was cured by Setheram (in 2008), who has also kept the show together. From this collection, paintings in charcoal and pastels pay a tribute to the state’s red letterite soil.

Vasudevan’s deep interest and familiarity with Kathakali is also alive in three performances – a scene from a scene Kuchelavitha And Kathakali actors donated the roles of Ram and Hanuman on stage.

Karunakaran’s amazing frame

Karunakaran’s oil paintings depict the amazing scenario. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Contrary to the hypelism and penance of Vasudevan’s canvas, the work of Karunakaran (1940–2013) is an explosion of color straps and population by fantasmagorical figures. Oil, pen and ink sketches on canvas and watercolors are acrylic. The sculptures are mixed with Indian sculptures, a place filled with flora (affected by Indian miniatures) and a place filled with fauna.

A. Like Ramachandran, another master of Kerala, whose art was influenced by the murals and mythology, Karunakaran was also inspired by the furry tradition of the region. He was born in Brahmakulam, which is near Guruvayur, which is known for this art. While some pictures on the performance represent their signature game with geometric forms, some oil reflects the stunning landscape. Watercolors have a transcendental effect, which gives a sense of lightness to the functions.

Some pictures of Karunakaran represent their signature game with geometric forms. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Karunakaran’s works merged the lyricalism of Indian visual aesthetics with their modernist sensations. He was probably the first to open a private art gallery, Chitrakudam in Kochi.