A V Ilango is a Mathematics graduate and a self-taught artist who opted for a career in art.

His early work used a colourful palette, recalling verdant and vibrant scenes, inspired by a childhood spent in south India's hinterland. Three decades in Chennai and the urban milieu and the city's folks have found their way onto his canvas – in light and dark forms interlaced with subtle and bold lines.

In the last ten years or so, his compositions have turned minimalist with black and white dominating. Ilango has held several exhibitions over the last two decades in India and abroad.

His artwork in Tulika's Who will be Ningthou? melds folk art and strong, abstract lines and shapes that are visually striking.