The passing of A. Ramachandran and Gogi Saroj Pal has created a void that can never be filled.
The year 2024 had a sombre start. The Indian art fraternity lost two great artists. Art Soul Life pays homage to the great artist A. Ramachandran Nair and Gogi Saroj Pal for their immense contribution to Indian art and their significance in shaping and influencing art universally.
Achutan Ramachandran Nair
A painter and a sculptor Ramachandran were born in 1935 in Attingal in Kerala where he embarked on his artistic journey. Captivated by the ancient murals adorning temple walls and mesmerized by the vibrant performances of Kathakali, his thought process was deeply influenced by traditional Indian art. However, it was not until he completed his studies at Santiniketan that Ramachandran experienced a breakthrough, creating paintings inspired by the legend of Yayati in the mid-1980s. This narrative from the Mahabharata, where a king in his old age asks his son to grant him youth to indulge in worldly pleasures, unfolds in a contemporary setting in Ramachandran’s work. His paintings are rich with lush vegetation, wildlife, and graceful women, with lotus ponds symbolizing fertility and feminine energy, adding a dynamic element to his narrative.
Ramachandran’s comprehensive overview encompassed murals, intricate miniatures, etchings, sculptures, and book illustrations, along with his design of stamps. He embraced life fully, dedicating much of his time to artistic pursuits and engaging with people with a touch of humour.
For many decades, the lotus pond remained a cherished theme in both his paintings and drawings. In contrast, his sculptures showcased tribal totem-like symbols—a singular pillar-shaped figure, intricately stylized with ornamental linear designs crowning it. This inspiration most likely stemmed from his keen observations of rural Bengal’s inhabitants working in paddy fields, an activity Ramkinkar Baij encouraged all students to undertake at Santiniketan. This was melded with his research on Kerala temple art, resulting in the creation of emotive artworks.
In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of Lalit Kala Akademi, and in 2005, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, for outstanding service to the nation. In 2013, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. He is survived by his wife Chameli (Tan Yuan) Ramachandran.
The extensive collection of bronze sculptures exhibited in Delhi last year not only showcased his craftsmanship but also revealed a keen vision honed over years of striving for excellence. His passing on February 10 at the age of 89 due to a kidney ailment leaves behind a profound legacy characterized by life’s abundance and his unique experiential perspective. Ramachandran was not just an extraordinary artist but also a visionary who left a lasting legacy in the world of art. His passing marks the loss of a significant figure who made substantial contributions to the art community.
Gogi Saroj Pal
Renowned for her bold use of colours and unique artistic style, Gogi Saroj Pal passed away at her Delhi home on January 27, 2024 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking artistry. She was celebrated as the ‘first feminist artist of India’. Gogi Saroj Pal was born on October 3, 1945, in Neoli, Uttar Pradesh, just two years before India’s independence. She belonged to a family from the Kangra Hills in present-day Himachal Pradesh, known for their involvement in the freedom movement. Her uncle, Yashpal, was a well-known Indian freedom fighter and Hindi-language writer.
Gogi inherited a natural inclination towards defiance, almost as if it were in her genes, which was reflected in her works, especially the nayikas (heroines). Her artistic focus on the feminine force is evident in many of her paintings, where women take center stage. Gogi Saroj Pal was known for her miniature nayikas that blended traditional themes with modern feminism. Her figurines, often depicted in a naked yet expressive manner, gazed back at viewers with large, graceful eyes, silently conveying inner desires.
Gogi was a master of various mediums including acrylic, oil, gouache, weaving, ceramics, and lithography. She reinvented Indian myths, infusing them with a feminist perspective, and her artistic genius earned her acclaim worldwide. She shared her expertise by teaching Fine Arts at Women’s Polytechnic and College of Art in New Delhi, and also delivered guest lectures at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. Gogi Saroj Pal’s exploration of women’s lives, desires, and the enigmatic realm of femininity has created a lasting artistic legacy.
From her early series such as “Being a Woman” to more recent ones like “Kamdhenu” and “Dancing Horse,” her body of work reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing societal challenges and highlighting the resilience of women.
Gogi Saroj Pal’s “Being a Woman” series indeed delves deep into the societal roles and challenges faced by women, often portraying them in powerful and symbolic contexts. One of the paintings, depicting a woman in a crucifixion-like pose, is a poignant reflection of the pain and struggles that woman endure, drawing parallels to historical and religious narratives. Pal’s ability to convey such profound themes through her art is a testament to her skill and vision as an artist. Her recognition with awards like the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi further solidifies her impact on the art world. While her passing has saddened the art world, her influence is expected to endure for years to come.
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