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Lot 22

 

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B Prabha studied at the Sir J J School of Art and made a mark on the Indian art scene when there were few women in this field. Rural women engaged in daily chores, perhaps inspired by her native village of Bela near Nagpur, formed the thematic basis of her oeuvre. She developed her own distinct style, working mainly in oils. The elongated, almost regal form, typical of her rendering of female figures, is instantly recognisable in the following... B Prabha studied at the Sir J J School of Art and made a mark on the Indian art scene when there were few women in this field. Rural women engaged in daily chores, perhaps inspired by her native village of Bela near Nagpur, formed the thematic basis of her oeuvre. She developed her own distinct style, working mainly in oils. The elongated, almost regal form, typical of her rendering of female figures, is instantly recognisable in the following lots. A demure, yet elegant poise defines Prabha's women, who exude a sense of solitude even when they are in groups. Prabha's work, painted with a carefully modulated palette, speaks volumes about the interiority of women's lives. Beyond simple documentation, these works are odes to the spirit and struggles of these women.

Prabha had her first exhibition with her husband, fellow artist B Vithal in 1956. She won the first prize at the Maharashtra State Art Exhibition in 1958. Speaking of the influence of Amrita Sher-Gil on her work, Prabha said, "At that time, there were not too many women painters (in India). I respected Amrita Sher Gil a lot. My ambition was to become a renowned painter (just like her) and to take my paintings to all corners of the world." (Artist quoted in "A peep into B. Prabha's oeuvre and her inspirations," theartstrust.com, 2011) Prabha's work was shown in numerous exhibitions during her lifetime and has continued to receive acclaim even after she passed away in 2001.

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