Page 310 - Iconic Master

Lot No. 180

T VAIKUNTAM

b. 1942
UNTITLED
47.7 x 59 in (121 x 150 cm)
Acrylic on canvas
Signed: Bottom Right
` 30,00,000 - 40,00,000 | $ 37,500 - 50,000
Provenance: Property from a collection based in
New Delhi

Thota Vaikuntam, born in 1942, is renowned for his
depictions of rural life, with the women of Telangana
serving as central figures in his paintings. His
work draws from the vibrant, earthy energy of his
homeland, capturing the simplicity and strength
of village life. Vaikuntam’s figures are often larger
than life, painted in strong primary colours like reds,
saffron, and yellows, which reflect the rich cultural
fabric of rural India.
In the presented lot, two women sit with serene
expressions, amidst the symbolic presence of
Lord Ganesha. The composition exudes a reverent
tone, as Ganesha, traditionally associated with
new beginnings and wisdom, accompanied by the
women, embodying a sense of divine protection.
Adorned in bright saris, with exaggerated features
such as their wide, almond-shaped eyes and robust
forms, the women are depicted with dignity and
poise, echoing Vaikuntam’s fascination with their
sensuousness and strength.

The painting, like much of Vaikuntam’s work,
combines the spiritual with the everyday, blending
the sacred with the mundane. His controlled lines
and bold, flat colours further heighten the impact of
the piece, bringing both the women and Ganesha to
life with a powerful simplicity.