Statement

The human element and humane content are the major factors that govern the philosophy of my aesthetics and creativity. I endeavor to arrive at a synthesis between aesthetic integrity and social responsibility.

Biography

Born in 1945 in Kerala, Arakkal completed his Diploma in painting from Chitrakala Parishath College of Art, Bangalore in 1973. For his specialisation in graphic print-making he went to National Art Academy Community Studios, Garhi, New Delhi in 1980. He has been honoured with several awards including the National Award in 1983; a Special Award at the Third Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka in 1986; the Karnataka Rajyotsva Award in 1999; Lorenso-De-Medici Silver medal at the 4th Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art, Italy in 2003; Lorenso-De-Medici Gold medal at 5th Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art, Italy. He visited Arad International Biennale of Art at Romania as an International Artistic Committee Member in 2005. He has participated in many shows since his first in 1975, including the Sixth Biennale de Beaux Art, Beaumont, France; Third Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh; Sixth International Triennale, New Delhi and Ninth International Biennale de Sao Paulo, Brazil. He lives and works in Bangalore.