P. Perumal

 P. Perumal is an Indian artist known for his vibrant canvases depicting village life through a distinctive colour palette and silhouettes of elongated figures. Born in 1935, Perumal’s early experiences in a Tamil Nadu village deeply influenced his artistic vision. He pursued formal art education at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Chennai, where he became a member of the Progressive Painters’ Association, established by K. C. S. Paniker in 1944.

Perumal's work is characterised by a revival of traditional artistic techniques, especially the transformation of line usage in his paintings. His depictions of rural scenes are infused with a sense of innocence and quiet strength, achieved through carefully constructed postures of his figures. This unique approach often leaves viewers with a sense of promise and hope for the future.

Throughout his career, Perumal also contributed significantly to art education. He taught at the Government High School in Chennai from 1959 to 1961 and later at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Chennai in 1988. During this time, he received a Senior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, recognizing his contributions to the arts.

Perumal's works are part of prominent national collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and the National Art Gallery of Chennai. His paintings also reside in private collections in the USA, Germany, and South Korea. A prolific artist, P. Perumal's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, celebrating the essence of rural Indian life through his vibrant and evocative art.