Important Notice

Produced in the late 1950s by Shilalekh, a short-lived artists' collective based in Bombay, this important group of lithographs represents a critical moment in the art history of post-independence India. Inspired by Raja Ravi Varma, who set up a printing press at the turn of the century to distribute his images beyond the circles of wealthy patrons who could afford his paintings, Gaitonde, Ram Kumar and Tyeb Mehta joined forces with M.F. Husain... Produced in the late 1950s by Shilalekh, a short-lived artists' collective based in Bombay, this important group of lithographs represents a critical moment in the art history of post-independence India. Inspired by Raja Ravi Varma, who set up a printing press at the turn of the century to distribute his images beyond the circles of wealthy patrons who could afford his paintings, Gaitonde, Ram Kumar and Tyeb Mehta joined forces with M.F. Husain and a businessman patron, to create a set of limited edition prints for sale at affordable prices.

"In 1957, the Shilalekh group that included M.F. Husain, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, and V.S. Gaitonde, was established in Bombay. Emulating the highly successful example of Raja Ravi Varma, they began to make lithographs at Mohammedi Fine Arts in Bombay and attempted to sell original works of art at minimal prices. Their efforts were unfortunately short-lived" (Paula Sengupta, "Lasting Impressions", Art India, 2006).

Unfortunately, the exhibition they held of these prints was not very successful. Even though they were priced at Rs.25 each, there were no sales recorded at the show, and the prints were eventually distributed among friends and patrons.

Read More
Artist Profile
Other works of this artist in: this auction  |  entire site