Yusuf Arakkal (1945 – 2016) was an Indian artist.
Life.
Arakkal was born in Chavakkad, Kerala. Both his parents died when he was young. Leaving the comforts of his house behind, he left for Bangalore, lonely but with a passion to become a painter. The hardships that he faced at Bangalore honed the artist in him and sharpened his sensibility. He took a diploma in painting from "Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat" (KCP), Bangalore and later specialized in graphic print making from National Academy community studios, Garhi, Delhi.
Arakkal received the prestigious "Lorenzo De Medici Gold Medal", at Florence Internazionale Biennale, in Florence, Italy for his work "Bacon’s Man with the Child and Priest". The artist produced a large collection of miscellaneous works consisting of drawings, paintings, sculptures, murals, paper works, prints and writing.
He won several other awards including "Karnataka Lalithkala Academy" award in 1979 and 1981, a national award in 1983, a special award at the third Asian Art Biennale Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1986 and the "Karnataka Lalithkala Academy" honor in 1989.
Arakkal's paintings are singularly expressionistic in style. In them one could trace the artist's deep concern for man and society. Set against a dark, oppressive background are the faceless figures of ordinary people expressing brooding loneliness and despair brought on by a society obsessively drawn towards material success where ordinary people have no place.
Death.
On 4 October 2016, Arakkal died in Bangalore due to a heart attack, at the age of 71.
Exhibitions.
In his career he exhibited extensively Internationally and in India. He has done many international shows.
References.
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