The Founder of the Cholamandal Artists Village, K. C. S. Panicker was an influential figure with regards to the evolution of modern art in south India. Most of his artistic expression had been an attempt to directly respond to things around, however, this expression moved on to involve more indigenous forms as he slowly shed the hold of western modernity. Between the1940s and 50s he established the Progressive Painters Association. He had also served as the principal of the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Madras.