C. N. Karunakaran is an internationally renowned painter from India. He is the Chairman of Kerala Lalitakala Academy. He was born in 1940 at Brahmakulam, Near Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala. This versatile artist has achieved worldwide acclaim for his artistic variety. An exhibition of his works was conducted at the Embassy of India in Washington on September 5, 2003. Following this start to his American tour, his works were displayed at the Athithi Indian Restaurant, also in Washington D.C. Later these works were viewed at the Asian Art Gallery, Virginia.

He started " Chitrakoodam", which was the first private art gallery in Kerala (1973 to 1977). He has worked as art director for few Malayalam movies as well.

Major Awards Won

The government of Madras Gold Medal for the Best outgoing student - 1956

Madras Lalitha Kala Academy award - 1964

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy award - in the years 1971, 1972, & 1975

P.T. Bhaskara Panicker Award - 2000

Malayattoor Ramakrishnan Award - 2003

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy Fellowship - 2005

Movies for which C.N. Karunakaran performed Art Direction

Aswathamavu

Ore Thooval Pakshikal

Akkare

Purushartham

Aaleesinte Anweshanam