Edapal, MALAPPURAM : The doyen of line sketches and artist, KM Vasudevan Namboothiri, has died aged 97. The end came at 12.20 am at MIMS Hospital in Kottakkal where he was being treated for age-related illnesses. Funeral 4 pm Friday at home courtyard.
Namboothiri’s illustration were vied by famous writers for their books as pitch to wide readership. Namboothiri made lasting impressions in all realms he contributed to, including illustrations, painting, portraiture, sculpture and art direction. His feminine line sketches were magical and his illustrations brought historical characters to life. Kathakali sculptures in fibre glass for Kalamandalam and Mahabarata, Ramayana sequels on copper plates drew international attention. Several magazines made their way to more readers via Namboothiri’s sketches inside.
In 2004, the Kerala Lalithakala Academy honoured Namboothiri with Raja Ravi Varma Award The academy conferred honour yet again in 2022. Namboothiri received State Film Award for Art Director(Uttharayanam) and the State Children’s Literature Award. One of his most noted works are his collection of paintings on Kathakali artistes. Namboothiri’s published his autobiographical book, ”Rekhakal(The Lines)”. Namboothiri was also the ex-Chairman of Keraalalalitha Kala Academy.
Namboothiri lived with his younger son and family in Edapal, Naduvattam. He was born on 13 Sept, 1925(Ayilyam in Chingam) to Ponannani Karuvattilath Parameswaran Namboothiria and Sreedevi Antharjanam. Having shown keen interest in paining at an early age, Namboothiri’s uncle enrolled him into College of Fine Arts in Madrass. He learnt painting under renowned artists like Roy Chaudhary and KCS Panicker.
Later on his return, Namboothiri joined the Marthrubhumi Weekly and also worked with Kalakaumudi, Samakalikam etc. and contributed illustrations for novels and stories by famous authors such as MT, VKN, Thakazhi, SK Potekatt and Punnathil Kunjabdulla. Namboothiri also was art director to films Uttarayanam and Kachana Seetha directed by Aravindan.
Namboothiri is survived by wife: Mrinalini. Children : Parameswaran, Vasudeva. Daughters-in-law Uma and Sarita.
