Kcs paniker biography samples
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K.C.S.Paniker (1911 - 1977) was an inspiring art educationist. Two generations of better known artists from the deep south would testify to the truth content of the statement. But that does not say much about his significant contribution to modern Indian art. Of a greater importance was his role as an institution builder. The adaptation of the medieval guild concept for building the Cholamandal artists co-operative was a visionary act, like of which we have only a few examples in modern India. However, even this visionär act cannot be regarded as significant contribution to modern Indian art per se.
Of a greater importance, to modern Indian art per titta, was his adaptation some kind of post- impressionist stylistics for landscapes, that soon led to his giving a lead to the formation of the Progressive Painters’ Association of Madras in 1947-48. The formation itself was in line with the major shift in the art praxis of the forties which saw the successive establishment of t
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KCS Paniker: His art and his times
- Padma Jayaraj, Thrissur
e-mail: padmajayaraj@gmail.com
September 22, 2010
Kerala Lalitkala Academy, recently celebrated the birth anniversary of KCS Paniker, a doyen among South Indian painters. The seminar evaluated Paniker from the perspective of his times. Those who spoke were reputed art historians, academicians, and critics. Interventions from a discerning audience made the day intellectually alive.
KCS, no doubt, stands tall in the world of South Indian art and painting after Ravi Varma. Both of them hailed from Kerala, went out to create an art world with a pan-Indian stamp, made history, and left a legacy. But instead of glorifying an iconic figure, with an irreverence that characterizes the Malayali spirit, the discussions deconstructed Paniker.
Sadanand Menon, Sivaji Panikker, and Ashrafi S Bhagat were some of the speakers. They dwelt on three aspects: KCS, the artist, the 'Madras Art Movement' he started, the Cholamandal Arti
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