Akkitham Narayanan

 Akkitham Narayanan (born 1939) is an Indian painter from Kerala, renowned for his distinctive artistic style that blends traditional Indian motifs with contemporary abstract forms. A graduate of the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, he later honed his skills at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the tutelage of Jean Bertholle and Lucien Couteau.

Narayanan's artistic style is characterized by the integration of geometric shapes and symbolic elements, reflecting a deep engagement with both Indian traditions and modernist aesthetics. His works are known for their intricate compositions and vibrant color palettes, often evoking spiritual and philosophical themes.

Throughout his career, Narayanan has received numerous accolades. He is a three-time recipient of the Tamil Nadu State Lalit Kala Akademi Award (1963, 1965, and 1966). Internationally, he won the prestigious IV International Festival of Painting Award in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, in 1972. His contributions to the arts have also been recognized by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, which honored him with the K. C. S. Paniker Puraskaram in 2009 and the Raja Ravi Varma Award in 2017.

Narayanan's works have been exhibited widely in India and internationally, with his paintings held in various museums and galleries across countries such as India, France, Japan, Poland, and Germany. He continues to live and work in Paris, maintaining a global presence in the art world.