About A.P. Santhanaraj

Born in 1932 in Tamil Nadu, A.P. Santhanaraj studied painting from Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, and was its Principal from 1985-1990. He has found himself a niche in the world of art with his passion and distinctive style. One of the most defining aspects of Santhanaraj's works would be the quality of line. It is this fundamental element, which sets apart the artists style. He uses this element without any inhibitions exploring it endlessly and creating a unique visual language.

As the artist says, "I am hungry about painting. What comes out of it, I don't know. All my intentions are not to accept a preconceived form. Circumstances force me to accept a particular form.” He is recipient of several awards, including the National Award in 1957, the Kala Ratna in 1997, and the Kalimamani Shiromani award in 1996. Retrospectives of his work were held in Delhi in 1990 and 2001. He has executed portraits for Parliament House, New Delhi, and murals for the Madras State Museum. He was also commissioner for painting for the Brazil Triennale, 1988. He lives and works in Chennai.