Page 66 - Historic-Masterpieces-Dec24

Lot No. 33
J SWAMINATHAN

1928-1994

UNTITLED
50 x 49 in (127 x 124.5 cm)
Oil on canvas
1972
Signed & Dated: Verso

` 3,00,00,000 - 4,00,00,000 | $ 370,370 - 493,827

Provenance: Property from a collection based in Mumbai

Jagdish Swaminathan left an indelible mark as an
artist, writer, and activist. After studying at Delhi
Polytechnic and briefly in Warsaw, he embraced
his role as a full-time artist by the late 1950s. His
influence extended beyond the canvas as a writer
and activist. In 1962, he co-founded Group 1890,
which sought to challenge what they called the
‘vulgar naturalism’ of the Bengal School and rejected
European modernist influences.

The presented lot, an untitled oil on canvas from the
series executed in 1972, exemplifies Swaminathan’s
inquiry into the relationship between space, time,
and form. His compositions are often surreal yet
structured, reflecting his philosophy that art should
evoke intuitive, emotional, and spiritual responses.
By rejecting depth and perspective, Swaminathan
focused on pure forms, encouraging viewers to
engage with the essence of his imagery.