Important Notice

The present lot is a rare and early figurative work on paper by G R Santosh, who is primarily known for his vividly colourful abstract neo-Tantric works of art. Painted in 1957-when the artist was fresh out of the M S University of Baroda and trained under none other than N S Bendre-the present lot is characteristic of Santosh's works from this period. Particularly notable is the use of earthy colours, as seen in the present lot, which would... The present lot is a rare and early figurative work on paper by G R Santosh, who is primarily known for his vividly colourful abstract neo-Tantric works of art. Painted in 1957-when the artist was fresh out of the M S University of Baroda and trained under none other than N S Bendre-the present lot is characteristic of Santosh's works from this period. Particularly notable is the use of earthy colours, as seen in the present lot, which would transition into his subsequent abstract phase as well. Kashmir, where he was born, also featured heavily in his works from this period. "For Santosh, each figurative canvas became a medium to tell a complete story emerging from the everyday life of Kashmir. He would fill the spaces, the background etched in minimally but hinting at the poplars and the fields, the lakes and the rivers, while the protagonists would be stylised to fill the canvas, though they never veered away from the streets and fields of the valley that would remain his inspiration throughout his career??? Critics lauded the use of a strong outline and deliberate strokes of colour while evaluating his contribution to the emerging modernism of the time." (Kishore Singh, Awakening: A Retrospective of G.R. Santosh, New Delhi: Delhi Art Gallery Pvt. Ltd., 2011, p. 58) The present lot is likely part of an unusual fairy-tale themed series that Santosh explored at the time, composed in a narrative style reminiscent of early 14th century Sienese frescoes.

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