Vishnu P. Vikraman
Indian Mural ArtistA MFA in Mural Painting from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan – I have been inspired by Indian and Western Traditional techniques include Jaipuri fresco, Ajanta, Italian frsco, Tera cotta Mural, Construction studies, Enamel painting, Egg Tempera, casein tempera, and so on. I have been able to develop my skills as a Mural Artist under the guidance and blessing of Dr. Amitha Bachan, Master Sri. Nandudulal Mukergi and Sri. Dilip Mitra. Phone:
Phone: +91 79 0767 2453, +91 82 8108 8786 (WhatsApp) Email: vishnu@keralamuralpainting.comI am deeply immersed in the world of Kerala mural and Indian traditional mural painting techniques. My journey began at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, where I pursued a BFA in Kerala mural painting, delving into the intricacies of this exquisite art form. Building upon this foundation, I furthered my studies at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal, where I earned an MFA specializing in Indian traditional mural techniques. During my time at Visva Bharati, I participated in a student exchange program with Burapha University in Thailand, where I explored Laran Thai mural painting. This unique experience broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of different mural painting traditions.
I am honored to share my passion and expertise as a lecturer in Kerala mural painting at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit. My focus primarily revolves around South Indian Kerala traditional mural painting, where I find immense joy in the meticulous balance between sketching and colors. The rich heritage and cultural significance embedded within Kerala mural painting techniques captivate me, driving my dedication to preserving and mastering these age-old methods. With 17 years of experience, I have created more than 1500 Kerala murals, many of which were commissioned by Kerala expatriates and art enthusiasts from around the world. My works have reached numerous countries including Switzerland, Germany, the USA, Canada, England, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and various Arab countries like Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, and different states of India. Each stroke and hue in my paintings serves as a testament to our artistic legacy, and I am committed to nurturing this tradition while imparting knowledge to the next generation of artists.
My interest in drawing and painting began during childhood and evolved into a passion during my high school days. Hindu epics and deities particularly captivated my attention, leading me to observe and study paintings in nearby temples. This early exposure helped me understand the styles, forms, color schemes, and aesthetic beauty of these paintings. After higher secondary school, I joined Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady for a degree in fine arts, as it is the only university in Kerala where mural painting is taught as a main subject at the graduate level (2007-2011).
During my studies, I frequently visited significant sites such as Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, and Mattanchery Palace to study the murals exhibited there. These visits inspired me to incorporate similar elements into my own paintings. Over my tenure at Sree Sankaracharya University and Visva Bharati University, I created nearly 1500 murals of various sizes, including notable series like Perumthachan (based on K. B. Sreedevi’s literary work “Agnihothram”), Krishnaleela, Ganapathi, and individual works such as Pradoshanirtham, Gagendramoksham, VettaSasthav, MalliyoorGanapathi, Ardhanareeswara, and Sakthipanchakshri.
After graduation, I collaborated with Dr. Amitha Bachan from M.E.S College, Trichur on a project for the tribal children of Vazhachal. This joint venture with the Hornbill Foundation involved illustrating specially designed books for the tribal children, aiming to inspire an appreciation for Kerala mural painting. In 2014, I enrolled in the MFA program at Visva Bharati University, where I was exposed to a wide range of Indian and Western traditional techniques under the guidance of masters like Nandalal Mukherji and Dilip Mitra. My studies included Jaipuri fresco, Ajanta, Italian fresco, terracotta mural, enamel painting, egg tempera, and casein tempera.
As part of the Best Student Exchange Program, I spent a month at Burapha University in Thailand, studying traditional Thai lacquer painting and murals. This experience allowed me to learn techniques involving gold and natural colors, enriching my artistic repertoire. For my final project at Visva Bharati University, I was invited to create a mural in the historic Black House, completed in the Jaipuri technique and colored using casein tempera. My painting is now permanently displayed alongside works by renowned artists like Nandalal Bose and Ramkinker Baij.
The comprehensive education at Visva Bharati University expanded my artistic vision. I now focus on traditional wall preparation methods and use colors sourced from natural materials, including stones and leaves from Kollur, Jaipur, and West Bengal. This dedication to authentic materials and techniques underscores my commitment to preserving and advancing the rich heritage of mural painting.
Exibitions
- “Paithrukam” – State Exhibition at Peruvanam, Trissur
- “Third Symphony” – Exhibition of Paintings & Mural Paintings Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady
- “Chitrolsav” Puthenvelikara, Ernakulam
- “I Toons Cam Exhibition” – Exhibition of Paintings & Mural Paintings, at Kozhikodu
- “Final Year Degree Show” – Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit Kalady, Exhibition of Paintings & Mural Paintings – Kerala Lalithkala Academy, Trissur
- Exhibition of Paintings Kairali Crafts, Ernakulam
- Exhibition of Mural Paintings Kairali Crafts, Ernakulam
- Exhibition of Kerala Mural Paintings, Kottayam Vedasudha Aurvedic Hospital
- Exhibition of Mural Paintings & Paintings Group Show, Darbar Hall, Ernakulam
- Exhibition of Kerala Traditional Mural Paintings, Kerala Lalitkala Academy, Kodungallur
- Exhibition of Paintings and Mural Paintings, Kerala Lalitkala Academy, Ernakulam
- Exhibition of Kerala Muralpaintings, Kottayam Veda Sudha Aurvedic Hospital
- Exhibition of Traditional Kerala Mural Paintings, Souparnika Creative Art Center, Uduppi, Karnataka
- “Gadhika” Creative Art Show, Aluva U C Collage – 2014
- “Exhibition of International Students”, Thailand – 2016
- “Art and Devotion” Solo Exhibition, M.N.F Edapally – 2017
- “Multi Hues” Group show, Lalit Kala Academy, Delhi – 2018
- “Kalakriti” Art Houz Group show Coyambatore – 2018
Seminars & Camps
- Art & Dialogue: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady – 2011
- Artist Work: Philosophy UGC National Seminar, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady – 2011
- National Art Camp in Banaras, Varanasi – 2014
- CMRIT National Artist Camp, Bangaloure – 2014
- Presentation of Kerala murals, Bhurapha University, Thai land – 2016
- “Sacred World” Presentation and camp M.N.F Edapally – 2017 and 2018
In Media
