About the artist
M Suriyamoorthy (1944–2012) was part of the Madras Group, the circle of artists who developed a modern Indian visual language under K. C. S. Paniker at Cholamandal. His work drew on regional and folk sources — kolam patterns, temple motifs, and textile design — rendered in a distinctive palette.
He was known for making his own colours rather than using commercial paints, mixing pigments from sources like ground seashells, tree bark, and water collected from holy rivers and temples. Recurring subjects in his paintings include deities, daily South Indian life, and cultural performance, often organised into geometric, panel-like compositions.
Biographical details summarised from public gallery and auction listings.
