Velu Vishwanathan

V. Vishwanathan, also known as Paris Vishwanathan or Velu Vishwanathan, is a prominent Indian artist and filmmaker recognized for his abstract paintings and films. Born in 1940 in Kadavoor, Kerala, into a family of blacksmiths, he initially trained in blacksmithing and carpentry before studying art at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Madras, under K.C.S. Paniker. A founding member of the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Vishwanathan moved to Paris in 1968, where his work evolved from figurative ink drawings to abstract paintings influenced by Tantric art.

Vishwanathan's early works were marked by village scenes in ink, but over time, he developed a unique style using oil and acrylics, characterized by geometric forms and a palette dominated by red and green. His work often incorporates the Malayalam script and reflects his deep engagement with abstraction.

In addition to painting, Vishwanathan explored filmmaking, creating a series of films collectively titled *The Five Elements*. These films, produced in collaboration with filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Vinod Raja, document his meditative exploration of form and landscape.

His works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and he has received numerous awards, including the Lalit Kala Akademi Award (1963, 1968) and the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from the French government (2005). Vishwanathan's art is celebrated for its abstract expression and deep connection to cultural and spiritual themes.