JAGDISH SWAMINATHAN (1928-1994) BIRD & MOUNTAIN SERIES, SIGNED AT VERSO

Size: 54 x 30 inches


Provenance: French Private Collection 

Footnotes: Jagdish Swaminathan (Indian, 1928–1994) hailed from Simla, his spirit shaped by
diverse influences. Initially, his path intertwined with politics as he tread the corridors of
Delhi Polytechnic and Warsaw, Poland, before embracing the realm of art. A fervent
member of the Communist Party of India, he wielded his pen as a journalist and art critic for
Left magazine. In the late 1950s, he emerged as a luminary, co-founding Group 1890,
advocating a departure from the shackles of "vulgar naturalism" and Eurocentric
modernism. His canvases, adorned with simplicity, echoed the manifesto's call to revere the
pristine.Transitioning in the 1990s, Swaminathan delved into tribal symbology, crafting a
narrative steeped in indigenous ethos. With fingers as his brush, he imbued pigments with
mystique, transcending conventional boundaries. Awards adorned his illustrious journey; the
Nehru Fellowship in 1968 marked a pinnacle, propelling him to explore the intersection of
tradition and contemporary expression. As a beacon of cultural diplomacy, he graced
international juries and helmed prestigious institutions, notably Roopanker at Bharat
Bhavan, Bhopal. His legacy, immortalized through countless exhibitions, resonates in the
collective consciousness, a testament to his indelible imprint on Indian art until his
departure in 1994.