A P Santhanaraj

Santhanaraj cultivated a distinctive artistic style, dedicated to unravelling the intricate nuances of pictorial space through an abstract engagement with figurative subject matter. While proficient in painting, his true mastery lay in the realm of line drawing, serving as a significant contribution to the renowned Madras Movement. His spontaneous, liberated lines not only influenced his colour palette but also gave rise to archetypal figures, particularly those of female heroines and lovers locked in an embrace. These archetypes seemed to manifest from his subconscious, emerging through the jagged lines and the spatial areas they carved within his artistic process. Santhanaraj perceived his artistic lines as channels of divine inspiration. Despite being a devout Christian, his approach to artmaking transcended religious boundaries, drawing parallels with Hindu interpretations of Shiva Nataraja. For him, the act of creating and destroying within his artistic process mirrored the essence of life taking shape.

Santhanaraj studied at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Chennai, eventually culminating his career as the principal before retiring in 1990. His artistic prowess garnered numerous accolades, including the National Award in 1957, the Kala Ratna in 1997, and the Kalimamani Shiromani award in 1996. Retrospectives showcasing his body of work were held in Delhi in 1990 and 2001. Notably, he was commissioned to create portraits for the Parliament House in New Delhi and murals for the Madras State Museum.