Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Ram Kumar Biography
Ram Kumar, born on September 23, 1924, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, emerged as one of the most profound and influential figures in Indian modern art. His journey from a contemplative writer to one of India's foremost abstract painters is a testament to his versatile genius and deep engagement with the human condition. Kumar's art, characterized by its abstract renditions of landscapes and a subtle, evocative use of color and form, reflects a deep philosophical engagement with space, solitude, and serenity.
Kumar's early life in the picturesque hills of Shimla left an indelible mark on his sensibilities. The serene landscapes, the desolation of long winter months, and the deserted mountainscapes of his childhood would later find echoes in his abstract landscapes. Despite initially fostering a deep inclination towards writing, Kumar's encounter with art at the Sarada Ukil School of Art in New Delhi in 1945 marked the beginning of his lifelong journey in painting. Intrigued by the paintings he saw, he decided to enroll himself in evening classes at the school, where he received guidance from artist Sailoz Mookherjea.
Kumar's academic background in economics from St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, did not deter his artistic pursuits. In 1949, he held his first solo show at YMCA in Simla, which was followed by a group exhibition in Delhi where his work caught the attention of S.H. Raza, marking the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Encouraged by Raza, Kumar left for Paris in 1950, where he studied under Andre Lhote and Fernand Leger. This period in Paris was transformative; Kumar was exposed to the works of European masters, which deeply influenced his artistic development.
Upon his return to India, Kumar's art took a significant turn towards abstraction. His early works, characterized by gaunt, sad faces, reflected the influence of modernist masters like Amedeo Modigliani. However, a pivotal moment came in 1960 when Kumar visited Varanasi with M.F. Husain. The city's dilapidated houses, narrow lanes, and the eternal cycle of life and death deeply moved him, leading to a shift towards abstraction in his work. Kumar's landscapes, devoid of human figures, began to evoke a sense of solitude and introspection.
Throughout his career, Kumar participated in numerous exhibitions both in India and abroad, including the Venice Biennale and the Festival of India shows in the USSR and Japan. His works are part of prestigious collections at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, among others. Kumar's contributions to art were recognized with several awards, including the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010.
Kumar was not just a painter but also a writer of repute. His literary works include short stories and novels that explore themes similar to those in his paintings. The interplay between his literary and artistic endeavors enriched his understanding of the human condition, making his work deeply resonant.
Ram Kumar's legacy is that of a tranquil genius who explored the depths of solitude and the human psyche through his abstract landscapes. His paintings, marked by their serene beauty and philosophical depth, invite viewers into a contemplative space, reflecting the artist's lifelong quest for peace and harmony. Kumar passed away on April 14, 2018, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.
Ram Kumar Quotes and Sales of
Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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