Anila Jacob

Anila Jacob (, born c. 1941) is an Indian sculptor associated with the Madras Art Movement and Cholamandal Artists' Village.

Early life and education Anila Jacob was born in Kottayam, Kerala in 1941. Although she initially applied for painting, she was admitted to the sculpture course at the Government College of Arts & Crafts, Madras (now Chennai) by the principal K. C. S. Paniker. She graduated in 1960 with a First Class Diploma in Fine Arts, ranking first.

Career Jacob began her career working with concrete and clay, later creating sculptures in carved wood, such as Figure (1969). Subsequently, she transitioned to working with welded metals like copper and brass, exemplified by works like Fish (2008). Her sculptures often draw on abstract themes inspired by the nature, environment, art forms, festivals, and daily life of Kerala. She has also worked with granite, particularly during sculptors' camps.

Jacob was one of the founding members of the Cholamandal Artists' Village near Chennai in 1966, established under the guidance of K. C. S. Paniker. She also served as treasurer for the Progressive Painters Association.

Jacob describes her themes as largely abstract, often drawing inspiration from the culture and environment of Kerala, including its nature, traditional art forms, festivals, and daily life. (1964) Artists Handicraft Association Award in Madras (2018) Raja Ravi Varma Puraskaram

The Kerala Lalithakala Akademi has planned a 40-min documentary, ‘Anilam’ to showcase her journey in art.