R.M.PALANIAPPAN was born in 1957, in Devakottai, Tamil Nadu, in 1980 studied Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting), 1981 Post Diploma in Industrial Design (Ceramics) both from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Madras, 1982-94 he was the Graphic Workshop In charge, Lalit Kala Akademi, Madras. He has won the President of India's Silver Plaque in 1985, 1986 National Academy award, N. Delhi, 1987 Third International Biennial Print Exhibition, Taiwan, 1989 Merit Mention Award, Bhopal. Has won many grants: 1990 USIA International Visitorship Program, 1989-91 Junior Fellowship, Govt of India, 1992 French Travel Grant, 1993, 95 Senior Fellowship Govt of India, 1993 Fulbright Travel Grant. He has held many solo exhibitions in India:1979 Madras, 1984 New Delhi, 1986 Jaipur, 1987Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai,1988 Madras and Gulbarga, 1990 New Delhi, 1991 Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai and abroad: 1987 Holland, 1992 The Netherlands, 1993 Dayton, Cincinnati & Manhattan, Kansas USA. He has participated in major group exhibitions in India: