M. V. Devan

Who is M. V. Devan?

Madathil Vasudevan is a painter, sculptor, writer, art critic and orator. He was born in Panniyannur village in Thalassery in northern Kerala, south India—. After completing high school in 1946, he left for Madras to study painting. He learned the basics of painting at the Chennai Govt School of Arts and Crafts under the likes of Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury and K. C. S. Paniker.

These stalwarts influenced his life and painting to a large extent. At this time, he came into to contact with M Govindan, who helped in changing his perspective on life and thinking.

After coming back from Madras, he joined as staff artist at the Mathrubhumi daily in Kozhikode. From 1952 to 1961 he worked there. Apart from illustrations, he had contributed reviews, articles and features on art and paintings to the weekly. Again, he went back to Madras and soon joined the 'Southern Languages Book Trust' as art consultant. He worked there from 1961 to 1962.

He continued his pursuit of art with Madras Lalit Kala academy from 1962 to 1968, New Delhi Lalit Kala Academy, FACT. He was made the Chairman of Kerala Lalit Kala Academy from 74 to 77.