BHUPEN KHAKHAR (1934-2003) "UNTITLED" SIGNED BOTTOM RIGHT, WATERCOLOUR ON PAPER

Size: 17.5 x 12 inches

Provenance: Private Collection Paris

Footnotes: Bhupen Khakhar, a self-taught artist born on March 10, 1934, in Bombay,
embarked on his artistic journey after qualifying as a chartered accountant. Relocating to
Baroda in 1962, he joined the Art Criticism course at the Faculty of Fine Arts, initiating his
foray into painting. Engaging with the groundbreaking Narrative-Figurative movement,
Khakhar's work exuded a distinctive irreverence, unfazed by his lack of formal training.His
early artistic endeavours incorporated ready-made images of deities sourced from popular
oleographs, skillfully collaged and painted over, sometimes adorned with graffiti. Khakhar's
exploration extended to 'degenerate' forms of art, navigating the crossroads of classical
miniatures and European illusionism. Marked by deliberate naivete, his 1970s paintings
revealed a profound sympathy for ordinary individuals ensnared in existential
conundrums.Transitioning into the 1980s, Khakhar fearlessly introduced homoerotic
themes, often featuring self-referential figures. His artistic evolution embraced spatial
arrangements of greater complexity, departing from the blown-up-picture-postcard style.
Khakhar's keen observation of everyday life enabled him to capture 'typical' characters,


rendering their bodies with a unique pliancy that underscored vulnerability and
invisibility.Khakhar's artistic odyssey included solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide,
showcasing his evocative narratives. He participated in numerous group exhibitions, leaving
an indelible mark on the global art landscape, including significant events like the Biennale
de Sao Paulo, Tate Gallery in London, and Documenta IX in Kassel. His legacy endures as a
testament to his fearless exploration of unconventional themes and his unique contribution
to the realm of contemporary Indian art.