Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni (1916-1994) Untitled (Two Figures) image 1

Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni (1916-1994) Untitled (Two Figures) image 2

Lot 51

Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni
(1916-1994)
Untitled (Two Figures)

Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art

10 December 2024, 15:00 GMT

London, New Bond Street

Sold for £4,096 inc. premium

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Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni (1916-1994)

Untitled (Two Figures)
signed 'KS Kulkarni' lower right
gouache on paper, framed
37.5 x 51.2cm (14 3/4 x 20 3/16in).

Footnotes

Note: There is a 'Kumar Gallery' label on the reverse which provides a biography of the artist.

Provenance
Property from a private collection, Netherlands;
Acquired from Grogan & Company, Fine Art, 28th October 2023, lot 114.

K.S. Kulkarni was a pioneering Indian modernist whose artistic practice traversed multiple styles and themes, making him a vital figure in the narrative of 20th-century Indian art. Born in Karnataka, Kulkarni studied at the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and went on to co-found the Delhi Shilpi Chakra in 1949—a collective that played a significant role in shaping the post-Independence art scene in India. Known for his dynamic compositions and versatility, Kulkarni's work ranged from figurative explorations of rural life and folk traditions to abstract forms that encapsulate the rhythm and energy of the modern world.

Untitled (Man and Woman) exemplifies the artist's masterful handling of form and colour, reflecting his deep engagement with human relationships and traditional Indian motifs. The composition features a man and a woman, stylized and simplified, sitting in close proximity. Their elongated forms convey a sense of harmony and connection, while the use of earthy tones reds, ochres, and deep browns adds warmth and intimacy to the scene. Kulkarni's expressive lines and subtle detailing capture the essence of the figures without focusing on minute facial expressions, lending the work an almost iconic quality. The background, rendered in soft, muted hues, serves as a gentle contrast to the figures, creating an overall balance and highlighting the interplay between the human presence and the surrounding space.

To see a similar work sold at auction see Christies, South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art, 18th September 2024, lot 702.

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- Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art

Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni(1916-1994)Untitled (Two Figures)

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Priya Singh

Louise Almeras

Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni (1916-1994)

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Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni
(1916-1994)
Untitled (Two Figures)