Driven by the passion to be a painter, he had left his home for Bengaluru.
His parents died when he was young and the hardships he faced during his struggle sharpened his sensibility and an artist in him, manifesting in his paintings that showed his deep concern for man and society.
Arakkal had done many works in different media including in canvases, sculptures with emphasis on tiger conservation.
Recently, he received the prestigious Lorenzo De Medici Gold Medal, at Florence Internazionale Biennale, in Florence, Italy, for his work Bacon’s Man with the Child and Priest.
The award is instituted in memory of the great Florentine statesman Lorenzo de Medici.
Arakkal was also recipient of several other awards including Karnataka Lalithkala Academy award in 1979 and 1981 and a national award in 1983.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:kannada.oneindia.com)
