Artist Namboothiri’s original drawings handed over to Culture department

Artist Namboothiri’s family handed over his original drawings to the Culture department.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian, who received the drawings from K.M. Vasudevan, the late artist’s son, at a function held at the Legislative Assembly complex on Monday (September 15, 2025). Mr. Cherian said that the works will initially be exhibited at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi art galleries across the State, after which they will be put up for permanent display at an art gallery exclusively for the artist’s work inside the V.T. Bhattathiripad cultural complex, which is nearing completion in Palakkad district.

Mr. Cherian said that Namboothiri’s works stand apart from that of other artistes with their simple charm and power. Through the magical flow of his thin lines, the artist was able to conquer the three dimensions of the canvas, he said.

Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade, Culture department Director Divya S. Iyer, Chairperson of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi Murali Cheeroth, Secretary Eby N. Joseph, managing trustee of the Namboothiri Samman Trust Babu Joseph and others were present. The centenary celebrations of Artist Namboothiri began on September 13, his 100th birth anniversary, at Karuvattu Mana at Naduvattom in Ponnani. The year-long programme is being jointly organised by the Artist Namboothiri Samman Trust and the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi.