Page 165 - Manifest September 2024

Lot No. 93

MANJIT BAWA

1941-2008
UNTITLED
27.5 x 41 in (69.8 x 104.4 cm)
Mixed media on paper
1994
Signed & Dated: Bottom Right
` 15,00,000 - 20,00,000 | $ 18,293 - 24,390
(This work was executed in collaboration with
Parvaneh Etemadi)
Provenance: Property from an international collection

Manjit Bawa’s global recognition stemmed from his
exceptional mastery of colour and the creation of
ethereal, floating forms. Drawing inspiration from
mythology, Rajput miniature paintings, music, and
literature, he forged a unique visual language that
was entirely his own. He believed that while India
was always transforming, at its core it remained
unchanged, as reflected in his paintings. His childhood
memories including those of the cows and goats seen
in metropolises and the shepherd he encountered in
Himachal Pradesh, all became subjects of his vibrant
works. While his works were primarily figurative, the
subjects occupied little space as compared to the large
swathes of unusual colours surrounding them. This
imbued the works with a zen-like element.