Artist Biography
Pushpakaran Kadappath is an artist from Velur, Thrissur, Kerala, born in 1980. His journey in art began in the culturally rich village of Velur, where he drew early inspiration from local heritage and mythology. Guided by his mentor, sculptor Velur Johnson, he pursued formal training at Sreekrishna College, Guruvayoor, and Government R.L.V College of Music and Fine Arts, Thripunithura, where he completed his MFA. Financial challenges were part of his journey, but a key moment came when Dr. Daphne Rumball from the UK bought one of his paintings, enabling him to continue his MFA studies.
His work primarily explores the themes of infinity, nightscapes, and Black color politics, using Indian ink as his medium. For him, black ink is more than a color; it symbolizes his experiences and his community's struggles. Through simple forms and codes, he addresses social issues and raises questions on identity and memory, blending personal stories with cultural narratives.
He has showcased his work in solo and group exhibitions, including at Vailoppilly Sanskriti Bhavan in 2011, "An Untold Story by Grandma" at Art Space Gallery, Thrissur, in 2016, and "Tales, Real and Unreal" at David Hall, Fort Kochi, in 2017. Internationally, his solo participation in World Art Dubai 2022 allowed him to connect with a global audience, and his project "The Chronicles of Sacred Myths" was displayed in Athens, Greece, in 2023. Recently, he participated in the **Art for Life Chicago Exhibition and Auction 2024**.
He has also exhibited in group shows like "A New Beginning" in Chennai and "2019 Emerging Indian Artists" in Hyderabad. In 2011, he received the Lalit Kala Akademi Research Grant, and in 2014, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant from New York, which significantly advanced his career. His involvement in the General Council of Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (2016–2021) allowed him to contribute to Kerala's art scene.
A significant work, "Travelogue of Dreams from the Eternal to Eternity," reflects his ongoing exploration of life’s journey and themes of infinity. His art has been featured in international magazines, including Subo Art Magazine from Portugal. He currently creates art in his studio in Velur, delving into stories that merge reality with imagination, and exploring the depths of existence through his work.
