Achuthan Kudallur: The Master of Abstract Color

Achuthan Kudallur (1945–2022, Kerala) was a leading figure in South Indian contemporary art, celebrated for his emotive abstract paintings. Known for his bold compositions and mastery of color, Kudallur often explored emotional depth through rich chromatic expression, earning his works nicknames like “his blue” and “his red.” Initially a civil engineer and writer, he embraced painting as a primary means of expression. His contributions to the Madras Art Movement were significant, with exhibitions in India and abroad, including France, Japan, and the UK. He received the Tamil Nadu Lalit Kala Akademi Award (1982) and National Academy Award (1988).