Artist of the Collection · Kovalam, Kerala
Babu Xavier
Self-taught painter who brings surreal imagination into contemporary Indian art.
Babu Xavier’s painting in the Foundation collection uses a spare, enigmatic arrangement and a quiet surreal sensibility. His broader practice moves between human, animal and imagined forms.
View a work in the collection
The artist
A surreal world in a spare frame
Xavier’s images combine playful invention with reflections on contemporary life. The collection work’s elongated central form, muted tones and symbolic details invite a slower, open-ended reading.
Awards & honours
1990
Kerala Lalit Kala Akademi Annual Exhibition award
Awarded at the 20th State Lalit Kala Akademi Annual Exhibition, as recorded in the artist profile.
Biography
An independent visual language
Born in Kerala in 1960, Babu Xavier is a self-taught artist. He began exhibiting in the 1980s and developed a distinctive visual language populated by imaginary creatures, hybrid forms and surreal settings.
His work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions in India and internationally. Xavier lives and works in Kovalam, Kerala.
Biography synthesised from museum, gallery and institutional profiles.
Selected exhibitions
Exhibitions & projects
Kalapeedom, Kochi · 1984
Xavier’s first solo exhibition, followed by shows at Pundole Art Gallery and other Indian and international venues.
International Triennale of Art, New Delhi · 1986
The artist profile lists his participation in the Triennale.
Bharat Bhavan Biennale, Bhopal · 1988 and 1994
Xavier participated in both editions, according to the artist biography.
Saraswati Foundation
In the collection
Explore works attributed to Babu Xavier in the Foundation collection.
Artwork 306
View artworkPaintings in the collection
Research & further reading
Art For Concern · Babu Xavier · Indian Art Ideas · Babu Xavier