To quote Kandinsky, credited as the first Abstract artist in the Western World, “Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colours, and that you be a true poet. That is essential”.

VK Sathyendran, known as Sathyan, works in Abstract style, which is a departure from reality of the imagery. He uses multifarious techniques for his creations. Each of his technique is unique in its own way. His forte, however, is lines and shapes. He seems to be fascinated by geometric shapes. He does not stick to any particular theme. But one thing for sure is as is evident from his works: his works are all about images teeming with life. That is his motif. The exaggerated images he creates with his lines are ubiquitous with life symbols like fish, birds and animals apart from humans, especially women. Though he is completely city bred, his works depict more of rural, rustic and pastoral scenes, particularly in his sketches and drawings.

One distinctive style of the artist is the delicate creation of various life forms by filling up spaces with colours within a paper full of tiny squiggles, swirls, or looped and curved lines. These are more figurative than abstract. Though his works and styles are all unique, this particular technique is ultra-unique!

Sathyan, was born in 1953 in Madras, to Nambiar parents of Malabar, Kerala. On completion of schooling from Madras Christian College High School, he joined the College of Arts and Crafts and completed the five year course of Diploma in Fine Arts, in 1974, obtaining a First Class.

Though he wanted to study pure Painting, he was forced by the environment to take up Commercial Art. Earning some income was of primary importance. Out of disgust and in protest he refused to use the instruments to be used in commercial art, only depending on his free hand skills, in the final exam and yet scored a First Class.

After graduation, Sathyan worked for some advertising agencies and also as a freelancer for ITC. By then he started showing signs of mental illness. After being through various private psychiatrists in the city, he came under the care of SCARF(I), a research institute for schizophrenia, in Chennai, from 1991 onwards. Though he has improved a lot, he is still under treatment. Paunting is his life-line.

Earlier Sathyan’s works were realistic. Figures and Portraits of animals and humans used to breathe and eyes were alive. Soon after graduation, he gravitated towards Abstract Style and stuck to it ever since. He found in it the freedom to work off the top of his head.

Though he continued painting and drawing prolifically, Sathyan could not hold, or take part in, Art Exhibitions till late 90s, due to his affliction. However, he took part in various Artists’ Camps and Art Festivals in Chennai. Subsequently, though, he held many solo exhibitions and took part in group exhibitions. He has exhibited in Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Bombay (Jehangir Art Gallery), apart from Chennai.

He has designed book jackets, particularly for SCARF(I) and has contributed many paintings for the calendar of “Lundbeck”, an NGO from Holland for 12 years from 2002 to 2014. Sathyan was also commissioned for decorative designs for the office of “Medimix” for their glass panels. He is a recipient of appreciation letters from organisations, including from Medico Pastoral Association of Bangalore and Lundbeck.

Sathyan has received awards and scholarships during his student days. Even in the evening years of his life he continues to draw and paint in his inimitable style.