Mahesh K Narayanan, Famous sculpture artists in Kerala, India.

Mahesh K Narayanan is a prominent sculptor and painter in India, known for his deep connection to nature and rural life, which is vividly reflected in his artwork.

He was born on May 26, 1985, in Pulassery, a picturesque village near Pattambi in the Palakkad district of Kerala. Growing up in the countryside, he was deeply influenced by the natural beauty, traditions, and simplicity of village life. His early years were filled with experiences of rural landscapes, vibrant cultures, and the close-knit bond between humans and nature, all of which later became integral themes in his artistic journey.

After completing his primary education, Mahesh pursued a diploma in painting from Pattambi Shilpachitra Fine Arts College, where he graduated with first-class honors. His formal education in fine arts provided him with a strong foundation in various artistic techniques and styles. Following his studies, he worked as a commercial artist and painter in his elder brother’s art studio. This period helped him refine his artistic skills and gain practical experience in the field.

Mahesh has been actively involved in various art camps, where he engaged with fellow artists, exchanged ideas, and participated in collaborative projects. His involvement in protest paintings against social injustices and environmental crises highlights his commitment to using art as a medium for raising awareness and advocating change. Through his thought-provoking works, he has addressed pressing issues such as deforestation, urbanization, cultural erosion, and the threats posed by modern industrialization to traditional lifestyles.

A closer look at Mahesh K. Narayanan’s paintings reveals the profound relationships he portrays between villages, nature, humans, and animals. His works serve as a visual commentary on the anxieties that arise from environmental degradation, the loss of cultural heritage, and the intrusion of mechanical advancements into natural spaces. His paintings often carry a sense of nostalgia, depicting the vanishing essence of rural life while also issuing warnings about the future consequences of neglecting our environment.

Mahesh’s unique artistic style combines realism with expressive elements, capturing emotions and stories within every brushstroke. His compositions often showcase a harmonious blend of earthy tones, intricate details, and symbolic representations of nature’s fragility. His ability to transform simple rural scenes into powerful narratives has earned him recognition among art enthusiasts and critics alike.

Through his art, Mahesh K. Narayanan continues to be a voice for the voiceless, shedding light on issues that many overlook. His works not only celebrate the beauty of nature and tradition but also serve as a reminder of what we stand to lose if we fail to preserve our roots and environment. His dedication to art and his unwavering passion for storytelling through painting have made him a significant figure in the contemporary art scene.
He initially experimented with creating small clay sculptures but did not pay much attention to them. However, during the construction of his house, he used some leftover cement mixture to create a half-length statue, marking his entry into the world of sculpture.

His desire to study sculpture and establish himself as a sculptor grew into a deep passion. He eagerly learned from every possible source, gaining knowledge wherever he could. His journey in sculpture continued as he assisted prominent sculptors in Kerala while also creating his own works.

During this period, he sculpted a small statue of the famous film actor Shri Mohanlal, which gained significant attention in Kerala’s newspapers. This recognition marked a turning point in his career, as people began acknowledging him as a sculptor.

At that time, in the living rooms of many Kerala households, relief sculptures, paintings, and artistic forms depicting myths, folklore, birds, animals, and plants were intricately arranged and displayed. This cultural trend provided him with numerous opportunities to create wall sculptures and three-dimensional sculptures. Through these experiences, he honed his ability to experiment with different media, mastering various techniques through continuous training and practice.
Mahesh K Narayanan is a distinguished sculptor known for his works both within and beyond Kerala. His creations reflect deep artistic expression and cultural significance.

One of his notable works, Maramuthashi, is located in Hampi, Karnataka, symbolizing the consequences of deforestation. In Pune, at Hinjewadi Infosys, he designed mandapas that depict the remnants of a fading culture, along with a 100-meter-long wall sculpture. At Christ University in Lavasa, Pune, he sculpted Molding Professionals and Glass Tower. Another remarkable piece, Emergence, is installed at Don Bosco College in Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore. Additionally, in JP Nagar, Bangalore, he created Mrithu Devan.

In Kerala, Mahesh designed the entrance gateway sculpture for Ananganmala Ecotourism and has also crafted numerous portrait sculptures. In Chennai, at Hindustan HITS, he sculpted Molding Professionals, also known as Floating Bunch. At KCG College in Chennai, he created the sculpture Heart and Mind.

One of his most significant works is a 32-foot-tall statue of Shirdi Sai Baba in Hiriyur, Karnataka, which stands atop a cave temple along the Bangalore–Chikkamagaluru highway. Recognized as the largest Sai Baba sculpture in South India, it holds special meaning for Mahesh. The statue was unveiled at midnight after four months of construction. That very night, an unexpected incident occurred—an elderly man was found weeping and embracing the feet of the sculpture, overcome with emotion as he shared his sorrows. This moving moment highlighted the profound impact that sculptures can have on people’s lives.

Beyond these, Mahesh has created numerous sculptures across various states, with major commissioned works from Bangalore-based Pragati Creators and MyHeart Creation. He is currently working on sculptures for St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore.

Mahesh is married to Rilma, a physical education teacher, and they have a daughter named Mizhi.