Page 153 - Dimensions Defined

Lot No. 126
BHUPEN KHAKHAR
1934-2003

UNTITLED
24 x 18 in (61 x 45.7 cm)
Watercolour on paper
2000
Signed & Dated: Centre Right
` 25,00,000 - 30,00,000 | $ 30,488 - 36,585

Provenance: Property from a collection based
in New Delhi.

A self-taught artist, Bhupen Khakhar is
highly celebrated for his distinctive style
that blended pop art with traditional
Indian influences. His unique visual
language incorporated vibrant colours,
bold lines, and a narrative approach,
often drawing inspiration from his
personal experiences and observations
of everyday life. across diverse territories, including the
USSR, Yugoslavia, Italy and the United
Born in Mumbai in 1934, Bhupen Khakhar Kingdom. During his sojourn in the UK,
began his career as a chartered the artist found hospitality under the
accountant. In 1961, he began to attend roof of his comrade and confidant,
evening classes for printmaking at the Howard Hodgkin, with whom he had
Sir J J School of Arts. It was around forged a connection back in 1972. A few
this time, he also met fellow artist years later, Bhupen Khakhar returned to
Gulammohammed Sheikh, with whose the United Kingdom in 1979, assuming
encouragement, he moved to Baroda the role of an artist-in-residence at
for a two-year Art Criticism programme the esteemed Bath Academy of Art.
within the Faculty of Fine Arts at
Maharaja Sayajirao University. The first In 2000, Bhupen Khakhar received
public display of his works happened the distinguished Prince Claus Award,
at the inaugural exhibition of Gallery a recognition bestowed upon him
Chemould in 1962. within the regal confines of the Royal
Palace of Amsterdam. His exceptional
In 1976, Bhupen Khakhar embarked on contributions also garnered the Asian
his first international voyage, facilitated Council’s Starr Foundation Fellowship
through an Indian government- in 1986 and the esteemed Padma Shri
sponsored cultural exchange initiative. accolade from the Indian Government in
This transformative journey led him 1984. The artist passed away in 2003.