Description
Yusuf Arakkal
Yusuf Arakkal’s art is a deep reflection of human existence, driven by an inner sense of anguish and the desire for a meaningful life. His early works, abstract studies of city dwellers, used bright colors to capture their struggles. Over time, his focus shifted to social issues, portraying the plight of the dispossessed in urban settings — their poverty, helplessness, and quiet endurance in the face of hardship. Known for his use of earthy tones, Arakkal often incorporates subtle dabs of yellow or crimson, with textured canvases that resemble timeworn, peeling walls. His iconic solitary figures, often with faces that represent his own, evoke introspection and the solitude of the human condition. “The face, whether it is of a man or a woman, is mine, an observer, and alone,” he said.
A graduate of the Chitrakala Parishath College of Art, Bangalore, Arakkal held over 38 solo shows across India and internationally in cities like London, New York, and Hong Kong. His accolades include the Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1979 and the Shiromani Kala Puruskar from the Government of India in 1981. Arakkal passed away on 4th October 2016.
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