Page 343 - Manifest September 2024

Lot No. 207

G R SANTOSH

1929-1997
UNTITLED
52.5 x 41.5 in (133.3 x 105.4 cm)
Oil on canvas
` 20,00,000 - 30,00,000 | $ 24,390 - 36,585
Provenance: Property from a collection based
in New Delhi. Artwork was previously sold by
Dhoomimal Art Centre

G.R. Santosh’s works hold significant importance
for their pioneering role in the emergence of Tantra
and Kashmir Shaivism art in India. A largely self-
taught artist, Santosh masterfully balanced energy
and colour in his creations, creating a harmonious
interplay that captivates the viewer. His use
of colour was deliberate, capturing the subtle
moments between breaths, while his symmetrical
compositions, though intricate and complex, exude
a sense of completeness rather than intimidation.
Santosh’s unique ability to depict the human form
without rendering a face speaks to his mastery, as
he elevated his figures to a higher, more spiritual
dimension, emphasising purity and transcendence.
Santosh began his artistic journey as a landscape
painter, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that he
embraced the mysticism of Kashmiri Shaivism.
A transformative visit to the Amarnath cave in
Kashmir deeply influenced him, sparking a lifelong
dedication to understanding Tantra and Shaivism.
He translated this profound spiritual exploration into
his art, visualising these philosophies with depth
and intensity.
Throughout his career, Santosh held over 30 solo
exhibitions, gaining widespread recognition for his
contributions to Indian art. His work was honored
with the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Award in
1973, and in 1977, he was conferred with the Padma
Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Santosh
passed away in 1997 in New Delhi, leaving behind
a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of
spiritual and mystical art