About Iruvan Karunakaran
Iruvan Karunakaran is an Indian artist who draws inspiration from India's everyday life and streets. He sees streets as a metaphor for life's journey, with each point representing the past, present, and future. The diverse characters and activities on these streets, like a man pulling a cart or a busy trader, inspire him to create realistic and expressive artwork. Karunakaran's paintings are deeply rooted in the common Indian experience, capturing scenes that many can relate to, whether a bustling street, a hot afternoon in Varanasi, or a rainy day in Mumbai. His works evoke a strong familiarity with small towns and urban life, making them relatable to a wide audience.
Karunakaran's paintings are known for their almost photo-realistic quality, achieved through strong brushwork and mastery of impasto techniques. He uses acrylic paints to create vibrant, textured scenes that draw viewers in. One of his most popular series, "Gangireddu," focuses on the decorated oxen used in traditional processions in the Andhra-Karnataka region. These works highlight the color and energy of Indian life, blending the timeless charm of village traditions with the dynamic pace of urban environments.
Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Karunakaran has a background in visual communication design, having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Kumbakonam. Before fully dedicating himself to fine art, he worked in animation for eight years, which likely influenced his strong sense of movement and detail in his paintings. Over the years, he has received several awards, including the Showcase Award from CGTantrra for digital painting and a Gold Medal at the 75th All Indian Art Exhibition by the Hyderabad Art Society.
Karunakaran's art often portrays common people engaged in their daily routines, as well as religious figures and temples. For scenes of daily life, he contrasts light backgrounds with dark-colored subjects to create a striking visual effect. When depicting temples and gods, he captures the spiritual energy and vibrancy of these places. His use of light and shadow, combined with the thick texture from his palette knife technique, adds depth and realism to his work, making the viewer feel as though they are part of the scene.
Karunakaran’s fascination with the streets and their constant movement is a recurring theme in his work. He believes that streets are alive, representing the flow of life itself. This perspective is evident in his paintings, where he captures the silent magic of daily life in India. His ability to depict both the calm of village life and the hustle of urban life sets his work apart, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers.
Currently based in Hyderabad, India, Karunakaran continues to create and exhibit his work. He also accepts commissions, allowing collectors to request custom paintings tailored to their preferences. His work can be viewed online or at galleries, such as the one in Palo Alto, California. Through his art, Karunakaran invites viewers to experience the rich tapestry of Indian life, captured with a unique blend of realism and artistic expression.
