(1918 - 1994)
Born in 1918, in Belgaum, Karnataka, Kulkarni graduated from the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai in 1942. He had his first solo show in 1945, organized by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society. He worked as a visiting Professor at the Delhi Polytechnic Art Department from 1945 to 1962. In 1948 he founded the Triveni Kala Sangam where he served as Director of the Art Department until 1968. He represented India at the International Art Programme held in U.S.A. in 1949, 1950 and 1951. In 1955, he was awarded the first of his three national awards. Mayan and Inca civilizations became an important influence in his work which were formed through his travels to Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Brazil. His work was included in international shows at Tokyo, Paris, New York, Venice, Sao Paulo and London. In 1962, Kulkarni was elected to the General Council of the Lalit Kala Academy. He was the recipient of the Parishad Samman by the Sahitya Kala Parishad, in 1985. The artist passed away in 1994.