lotus (2011) Painting by Murali Nagapuzha

Pollock – Krasner Foundation

Grant of 6.58 lakh for

Murali Nagapuzha



New York: Murali Nagapuzha, a self taught artist from Kerala, India has been awarded the Pollock – Krasner Foundation grant of $ 14,000 [around 6.58 lakh rupees]. Murali rose to fame when his style of celebration of nature, was compared by critics with that of the French genious Henri Rousseau. Murali made a mark globally by indulging in the contours and colours of the Kerala – his home state which revels in greenery.



The grant is in recognition of the promise and indigenity shown by Murali Nagapuzha in a host of creations. Murali’s work was viewed and selected by a distinguished committee of art professionals, according to a letter from Charles C Bergman, Chairman of the foundation. The letter also requests Murali to convey, to artist colleagues, of the Foundation’s aims – to assist artists of merit who have financial need, and to encourage them to apply for grant. Details and application form are available at



The foundation also took into account references from artists and connoisseurs from across the world before selecting him for the grant. “Largely because of the exceptional quality of your work and the extent of your artistic achievement, you have been awarded a grant from the Pollock – Krasner foundation,” says a letter from Caroline Black, program Officer at the foundation.



In a reference sent to the foundation, Gerard Saby, former head of the French Cultural Centre in India, recalled an exhibition, ‘Of elephants, spices and the everyday’, organized by the centre. “The exhibition not only attracted a large audience of art lovers, critics, but also many people who had never been to a gallery. The success was tremendous, because I feel Murali is a singular voice in contemporary Indian art.



Gerard Saby also recalled novelist Anita Nair’s words: “Murali’s art works with sentiment but at no time are we to dismiss it as sentimental. It is vulnerable in that it allows itself to be perceived as childlike but that is its strength. A child’s innocence, a child’s lack of duplicity, a child like playfulness and a child’s wonder – the eternal sunshine of a spotless mind.”



Murali Nagapuzha, who is the son of a traditional bell metal worker, from Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district of Kerala has over fifty exhibitons to his credit including nine solo shows across the world. His last show was at Santamonica, California in May this year. Noble Saga Gallery, London and Gallery Roman Rolland, New Delhi will host his solo exhibitions early next year.



For details: Murali Nagapuzha: +91 9446569743

Email:



profiles/profile-Murali-Nagapuzha.htm

• Nationality: INDIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Indian Artists