Yusuf Arakkal (1945–2016) was a prominent Indian modern artist renowned for his deeply empathetic depictions of human suffering, urban solitude, and the quiet dignity of the working class. Born in Chavakkad, Kerala, Arakkal faced early hardship, losing both parents as a teenager—an experience that profoundly shaped his melancholic, reflective visual language.

He honed his craft at the Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru under the mentorship of legendary artist K.C.S. Paniker. Arakkal’s expansive body of work spans paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. Visually, his art is instantly recognizable for its moody palettes—dominated by deep ochres, burnt sienna, charcoal blacks, and muted grays—punctuated by heavy textures, scraped impasto, and architectural geometry.

Distinguishing himself through a mastery of oil and ink, Arakkal captured homeless figures, daily laborers, and isolated urban vistas with profound sensitivity rather than mere sentimentality. Among his most celebrated endeavors was the "Faces of Creativity" series, featuring portraits of 135 contemporary Indian artists. Over a distinguished career spanning five decades, he earned numerous national and international accolades, including the prestigious Lorenzo il Magnifico award at the Florence Biennale, securing his legacy as a vital pillar of Indian modernism.