S. Dhanpal

 S. Dhanapal, born on 3 March 1919 in Madras, initially gravitated towards the Bengal School style, excelling in line drawing and impressionistic watercolours. However, his style evolved to reflect the influences of South Indian temple murals, prompting his mentor, D. P. Roy Chowdhury, to encourage him to pursue sculpture.

After completing his studies at the Government College of Art and Craft under Roy Chowdhury's guidance, Dhanapal joined the faculty. In 1957, under Principal K. C. S. Paniker, he was appointed head of the sculpture department and eventually became principal in 1972.

Dhanapal meticulously studied ancient Indian sculptures, focusing on their thematic divisions, techniques, iconography, and iconometry, particularly Chola, Pallava, and Gandhara school sculptures. His works, characterized by their robust and massive forms, demonstrated a mastery over various materials, including metals, terracotta, and wood. His themes ranged from biblical and mythological to nudes, portraits, and narratives.

In addition to his visual art, Dhanapal was a celebrated performing artist, proficient in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Kathak, and participated in numerous stage productions. He received the Lalit Kala Akademi’s national award in 1962, and the Akademi's regional centre in Chennai held a retrospective of his work in 2001, a year after his death.