Skip to main content

MV Devan: Eye of the Artist

On 29th April, 2014, MV Devan passed away. He was born on January 15, 1928, to Madathil Govindan Gurukkal and Mulloli Madhavi in Kannur. My husband's family knew him well. 

As a person who respects writers, artists and musicians, I too felt a sense of  loss on hearing about MV Devan's demise. But I believe that artists are those rare, blessed people who never 'die.' Their legacy lasts forever.

                                                            {Credit: Google Images}

MV Devan: A Different Kind of an Artist
Many factors make MV Devan a different kind of artist. Artists, in the eyes of the society, are known to lead gypsy-like, wandering lives and hearts.  It is said that the heart and soul of an artist is as mysterious as the sea and cannot belong to another. It definitely remains a mystery how MV Devan remained a true-to-heart family man. His love and commitment to his family, particularly his beloved wife, is well known. That, indeed, is a rarity among artists.

Another interesting aspect – MV Devan had no formal training in sculpting but he demonstrated his passion and flair for it. While his art took him to different creative realms, his love for writing is also noteworthy. He has written on various topics concerned with art and literature. He was associated with several literary magazines as well. 

Again, this multi-faceted artist made his mark by becoming an architect though he was not a trained one. He designed houses in association with FACT Engineering and Design Organization (FEDO) that suited Kerala’s unique environmental conditions. These structures came to known as “Deven model” and were appreciated for the artistic approach in his designs that made it stand apart.

A much cited example of MK Devan’s design work is the guesthouse that overlooks the Periyar.

MV Devan also held important positions as the chairman of Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy. He played a significant role to play in establishing Chennai Cholamandalam, Kochi Kalapeetam and Mahe Kalagramam.  He has won prominent awards such as the Raja Ravi Varma Award, Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, Malayatoor award and V P Menon award.

MV Devan: My First and Last 'Meeting' with him 
My first and last glimpse of MV Devan, the eminent painter, sculptor, writer, art critic and orator was on the day of my marriage. 

Just twenty minutes after the 'thaalikettu' (tying of the mangalsutra), MV Devan came on stage. He talked to my husband like a good, old friend. Then he blessed me by touching my head and then he turned and whispered something to my husband. After he left, Sanand told me, "MV Devan said about you 'Oru Deviyeh poley undu. Sthreethwam niranja mugham." It is difficult to explain the English translation of this but when it is from an artist such as MV Devan, it means a lot to the recipient.

It was on the day of my marriage and this is the most beautiful compliment that I have received in my life on that special day. I remain always grateful to him for his beautiful, heart lifting words to me.

This quote is my tribute to the artist MV Devan and it comes from an artist, Hollie Chastain:

 I think as an artist it’s very easy to [equate self-worth with artistic success] because of the nature of the work. If you think of art as a job, then your product is so much more than hours invested. The product is a piece of yourself, so of course if the reception is not the greatest, then it can feel like a direct hit to who you are as a person. I think this happened a lot more when I was younger and still finding my way around. I would doubt my direction when a viewer wasn’t thrilled. The trick for me is not to put more distance between my work and myself, but to close that gap completely. I can see myself in the art that I create, and that builds a wall of confidence.

MV Devan and his art remains with us forever. Now more than ever, there is no wall separating the artist from his art – with this passage into a realm beyond life, MV Devan has closed the gap and become one with art.

May this artist’s soul rest in peace.

Comments

Anonymous said…
May his soul rest in peace...
Asha said…
Beautiful tribute by you to him. May his soul rest in peace.

And i second his blessings showered on you during your wedding. "oru deviya polu undu......."
@Anonymous Yes, absolutely.

@Asha Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Love your compliment too - cheers of gratitude!

Most Popular Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being born

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.    The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM   Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here are some important thi

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefit of Chanting and Who can Chant the Mantra

Mahadmrityunjaya Mantra: Benefit of chanting this mantra There are very few mantras that are as powerful as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Do read my post: Does Mahamrityunajaya mantra really work?       Mahamrityunjaya mantra is believed to have the power to remove all sufferings, diseases and bestow the one who chants it with good health and long life.   It is also believed that constant contemplation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra can help spiritual aspirants to overcome the cycle of birth and death. What got me fascinated about this mantra is something personal.  I learned this mantra from my father but it is my maternal grandmother who chanted it all the time and repeatedly told me of its tremendous power to protect. However, I did not chant this mantra regularly.  At the age of two, my son was taught some mantras by my mother who explained what it means to him and he became very enthusiastic about chanting the mantras. Following this, my mother taught him the Maha Mrityun

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h