Surendran Nair, a distinguished artist from Kerala, has recently been honored with the Raja Ravi Varma Award, the highest accolade from the State government in the department of Visual Arts. This prestigious award includes a sculpture designed by Kanayi Kunhiraman, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹3 lakh.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1956, Surendran Nair developed a passion for art early in life. He pursued a diploma in painting from the College of Fine Arts in Trivandrum. To further hone his skills, he undertook postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University in Baroda, where he earned a diploma in printmaking.
Artistic Style and Mediums
Nair’s works are characterized by their inspiration from surrealism and symbolism. Throughout his career, he has experimented with various mediums, including watercolour, printmaking, and oils. In the 1980s, he predominantly worked in a realistic style. However, the 1990s saw a significant shift in his approach as he began to explore oil on canvas more extensively.
Notable Works and Achievements
Towards the end of the 1990s, Nair created a remarkable portfolio of hand-coloured etchings titled “The Labyrinth of Eternal Delight.” This collection showcased his unique style and thematic depth, solidifying his reputation in the art world.
Nair gained widespread fame in India in 2000 with his painting “An Actor Rehearsing the Interior Monologue of Icarus.” This striking piece features a naked man with strapped-on wings standing atop the Ashoka Column, capturing the essence of human aspiration and vulnerability.
Surendran Nair’s artistic journey is a testament to his versatility and innovation. From his early realistic works to his later explorations in surrealism and symbolism, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of visual art. The recent Raja Ravi Varma Award is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the art world, celebrating a career that continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts alike.