Kasargod Pundalik Shenoy (born 17 November 1938 – 13 June 2017) was a visionary Indian artist who introduced collage as a powerful artistic medium in South India. Born in Kasargod, Kerala, he emerged as a self-taught creative force whose work unified environmental awareness, spirituality, and psychological depth.
Shenoy is widely credited with universalizing collage art in the region at a time when traditional painting dominated the art scene. His innovative approach earned him the prestigious Kerala Lalit Kala Academy Award in 1975, along with recognition from several cultural institutions across India.
What distinguished Shenoy was his concept of “Paintings without Paint.” Rather than using conventional brushes and pigments, he worked with discarded materials such as paper scraps, metal pieces, and found objects. Through layered textures and thoughtful composition, he transformed waste into evocative works of art — long before sustainability became central to contemporary artistic discourse. His pieces often carried a tactile, almost sculptural quality, revealing harmony within fragments.
Deeply influenced by spiritual philosophy and Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious, Shenoy explored themes of mysticism, human passion, and inner awakening. His art invited viewers to look beyond surface appearances and engage with deeper psychological and cosmic dimensions.
After retiring from a successful career in banking, he devoted himself entirely to art. Despite growing recognition, he chose not to commercialize most of his creations, instead gifting many works to friends and family. A devoted Theosophist, he also delivered lectures in India and abroad, sharing insights from his spiritual and artistic journey.
Pundalik Shenoy’s life reflected artistic integrity, simplicity, and ecological consciousness. His pioneering contribution to collage art continues to inspire generations of artists seeking meaning and sustainability in creative expression.
