Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Raja Ravi Varma Prize for Valiathan

Special Correspondent

V.S. Valiathan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Artist V.S. Valiathan has been chosen for this year's Raja Ravi Varma Prize instituted by the State Government.

The Prize, which is awarded annually to recognise painters and sculptors who have made significant contributions to the fine arts at the State level, carries Rs.1 lakh, a statuette and `ponnada.'

Chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi and jury committee chairman Kanayi Kunhiraman, who announced the Prize at a press conference here on Wednesday, said Mr. Valiathan was chosen for the Prize in recognition of his sustained contributions to painting over a span of 75 years.

He had followed the Ravi Varma tradition in a scientific manner. Born to Revathi Tirunal Ramavarma Thampuran and Thottathil Madhavi Amma of Pandalam Palace, Mr. Valiathan was tutored in painting by artist P.K. Gopala Pillai.

The collection at the Sri Chitra Art gallery includes his paintings.

He won the Lalithakala Prize of the Akademi in 2002 and his well-appreciated paintings include `Themmadikkattu,' `Sleeping Beauty' and `Venalkkalam.' He has also written an Attakadha, `Natyotsavam.'

The jury committee included sculptor V.K. Rajan and cartoonist Yesudasan besides the Principal Secretary (Culture).

Akademi secretary R. Gopalakrishnan said the Akademi was observing a commemorative year ending on October 2, 2006 to coincide with the 100th death anniversary of Ravi Varma.

Secretary (Culture) Sarada Muraleedharan was also present at the press conference.

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