Painter, Sculptor, Writer, Orator, Madathil Vasudevan (MV Devan) was born to Madathil Govindan Gurukkal and Mulloli Madhavi at Chokli, Kannur on 15th January 1923.

After completing high school in 1946, he left for Madras to study painting. He learned the basics of painting at the Chennai Govt School of Arts and Crafts painting under the likes of DP Roy Chouhary and KCS Panikker.

These stalwarts influenced his life and painting to a large extent. At this time, he came into to contact with M Govindan, who helped in changing his perspective on life and thinking.

After coming back from Madras, he joined as staff artist at the 'Mathrubhoomi' daily. From 1952 to 1961 he worked there. Again, he went back to Madras and soon joined the 'Southern Languages Book Trust' as art consultant. He worked there from 1961 to 1962.

He continued his pursuit of the art with Madras Lalit Kala academy from 1962 to 1968, New Delhi Lalit Kala Academy (66 to 68), FACT (as art consultant from 68 to 72). He was made the Chairman of Kerala Lalit Kala Academy from 74 to 77.

During this time, he established an organization called 'Perunthachan', which basically dealt with the consultancy in the housing sector.

He is also the founder member and present Chairman of Kerala Kalapeedom. He is associated with 'Navashakti', 'Gopuram', 'Sameeksha', 'Kerala Kavita' and 'Gwala'. All of them are literary publications.