In a sprawling 20,000-square-foot Delhi residence, Shalini Passi has curated what could be considered a private museum of modern Indian art. Let's walk through this remarkable painting and sculpture collection and meet the masters behind each masterpiece.
SH Raza's "Germination" dominates one wall, its geometric patterns and vibrant bindu (dot) capturing the essence of this master's vision. Raza, born in 1922 in Madhya Pradesh, was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group. His journey from expressionist landscapes to meditative geometric abstractions revolutionized Indian modern art. The piece, purchased for 2 crores and now valued at over 4 crores, reflects his signature style developed during his years in France.
In the garden stands Subodh Gupta's Steel Buddha, valued between 2-4 crores. Known as the 'Damien Hirst of Delhi,' Gupta transforms everyday objects like steel utensils into monumental sculptures. Born in Bihar, his work comments on India's shifting cultural landscape, blending the mundane with the sacred. The Buddha, crafted from stainless steel kitchenware, exemplifies his ability to elevate domestic objects to high art.
Inside, F.N. Souza's "Manpower" commands attention. Estimated at 2-3 crores, this work embodies Souza's rebellious spirit. Born in Goa in 1924, Souza was known for his distorted figures and raw energy. As the founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group, his influence on Indian modern art remains unparalleled.
The 1989 Manjit Bawa piece, valued between 1-2 crores, showcases his distinctive style of floating figures against solid backgrounds. Bawa, born in Punjab, was known for breaking away from the Western influences dominating Indian art. His bright palette and mythological references create a uniquely Indian modernist vocabulary.
Ram Kumar's landscape, estimated at 1-2 crores, represents another facet of Indian modernism. Born in 1924 in Shimla, Kumar moved from figurative works to abstract landscapes inspired by Varanasi. His contemplative abstractions reflect both spiritual and social concerns, making him a pivotal figure in Indian abstract art.
Each piece in Passi's collection tells not just the story of an artist, but of modern India itself. From Raza's geometric spirituality to Gupta's commentary on globalization, from Souza's raw power to Bawa's mythological dreamscapes, and Kumar's meditative abstractions – together they form a comprehensive narrative of Indian art's evolution.
As contemporary Indian art gains global recognition, collections like Passi's serve as crucial documentation of our artistic heritage. Shalini Passi's paintings aren't just valuable assets; they're cultural touchstones that trace the journey of Indian modernism through the eyes of its greatest practitioners.
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