“The army of muses came in search of me and from the shadow of the tree of shells I looked on them in sadness.I rested in the palm of a hand and the creepers gave me shelter and their memories heaped on me tier on tier, yet sweet the beloved burden.” – K.Ramanujam, rpt. in Indian Express, 9th June 1973

Whilst K. Ramanujam was alive, it was difficult for him to make ends meet out of an artistic career that was inspired by K. C. S. Panicker. His destitution probably drove him to suicide at a young age of 32. Ironically, he found much acclaim after his death and his works were showcased at the ‘Indian Art Today’ exhibition of the Phillips Collection, Washington 1986, Sakshi Gallery, Bombay 1996 and an exhibition titled ‘Tribute to Ramanujam’ in Chicago in 2003 besides finding its way in important collections such as that of Chester and David Hertwitz, Boston, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Cholamandal Artists Village, Chennai and Victoria & Albert Museum, London.