Kozhikode: Artist Karuvattu Mana Vasudevan Namboothiri, celebrated for his masterful line drawings, passed away at the age of 97. The artistic genius, who effortlessly brought numerous characters to life on paper, breathed his last in the early hours of Friday.
The cremation ceremony is scheduled to take place this evening in Naduvattom, Kerala, where he spent the majority of his illustrious career.
Born in September 1925 in Ponnani, Malappuram district of Kerala, Namboothiri discovered his passion for art at a tender age. As a child, he would sketch in the sand of his backyard, drawing inspiration from the intricate sculptures adorning the Sukapuram temple near his residence.
Namboothiri's artistic talents blossomed during his education at the Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai, where he had the privilege of learning from esteemed mentors such as Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury and KCS Paniker. Under their guidance, he honed his skills in both drawing and painting and even dabbled in the creation of copper relief sculptures.
His artistic prowess soon gained recognition, particularly for his vivid depictions of life in Kerala, showcasing the local culture and traditions. Namboothiri collaborated with prominent Malayalam authors, including Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, P Kesavadev, MT Vasudevan Nair, and VKN, providing illustrations for their novels and stories.
Namboothiri's contributions extended beyond literature, as his artwork graced the pages of various publications such as Mathrubhumi Weekly, Kalakaumudi, and Samakalika Malayalam.
His skilful penmanship earned him the prestigious 2003 Raja Ravi Varma Award, bestowed by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the art world.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Namboothiri chronicled his life and experiences in his autobiography, titled "Rekhakal" (Lines). His journey as an artist has been well-documented in numerous books, and director Binuraj Kalapeedam paid homage to his legacy through a poignant documentary that traced the various facets of Namboothiri's life.