Draft:Adeesh Babu

Adeesh Babu (born May 31, 1990), known as Adeesh Chirayinkeezhu, is an Indian artist and art historian specializing in South Indian late medieval paintings. His major research focuses on Vijayanagar and Nayaka paintings from South India. Currently, Adeesh is showcasing his paintings at the Champa Tree Art Gallery in New Delhi.

Early life

Adeesh Babu was born in the coastal village of Chirayinkeezhu, in northern Trivandrum, Kerala. He completed his schooling at Vidyadiraja School, Attingal, and Prem Nazir Memorial School, Kizhuvilam. Initially pursuing engineering, Adeesh attended Mahatma Gandhi College in Thiruvallam, Trivandrum. However, in 2012, he shifted his career focus to fine arts and enrolled at the College of Fine Arts in Trivandrum, Kerala. Adeesh further advanced his studies by completing his postgraduate degree at the College of Fine Arts, Delhi, in 2018.

Career and Contributions

Adeesh Babu has conducted extensive research on various aspects of South Indian paintings. Notable among his works are the analyses of the Lepakshi paintings from Andhra Pradesh, He did his Ph.D. at Visva-Bharati University on the same subject. His doctoral research aims to advance the study of South Indian temple art, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration in art historical research. Parsvanatha relief from Kalugumalai and the allegorical significance of fly-whisk holder icons from the subcontinent. His research has been presented at several prestigious conferences, including the International Conference on Innovation in Visual Arts and the International Conference on Museum Space. These studies highlight the intricate details of artistic expression and the cultural influences embedded within the artwork. His scholarly contributions extend to examining artifacts in museum collections, such as the Dancers' Headpiece from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Adeesh emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in preserving cultural diversity and bridging the gap between academic scholarship and public understanding of art and culture. His artworks are included in the collections of the Piramal Art Museum in Mumbai and with personal collectors in Delhi. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adeesh participated in a show curated by R.V. Santhosh under the Polyphonia Collective, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in challenging times. In 2023, Adeesh Babu was a part of the Crack International Artist Residency, further expanding his engagement with contemporary art practices and cross-cultural exchanges.