Eminent Kerala artist dead

Eminent artist M V Devan (86), who captured the imagination of generations of art enthusiasts in Kerala and beyond, died at his residence in Aluva near Kochi on Tuesday. 

Born as Madathil Vasudevan in Chokli in Kannur district, the multi-faceted Devan was also an eminent sculptor, writer and art critic.

He was chairman of the Kerala Lalita Kala Academy in the 1970s and was the mind behind initiatives such as the Kerala Kalapeetham in Ernakulam and the Malayala Kalagramam in Mahe.

Devan, who was known for his unique style, was also a defiant voice against the excessive commercialisation of art. The Kerala government had honoured Devan with the Raja Ravi Varma Award. He also received the Vayalar and Malayattoor awards.