Abdulrahim Apabhai Almelkar, Indian, 1920-1982; Maharashtra, Bangalore, Mumbai. "Untitled (At the Market)" is an India ink, pastel, and gouache on paper board that is signed and dated lower right. 30 x 25 in, 37 x 31.5 in frame.

Directly from artist

Private Collection, MN

Abdulrahim Apabhai Almelkar, Indian, 1920-1982; Maharashtra, Bangalore, Mumbai.

"Untitled (Fishwomen)" is an India ink and pastel that is signed and dated (1966) lower center. 21 x 25 in, 27.5 x 31.5 in frame.

Directly from artist

Private Collection, MN

Abdulrahim Apabhai Almelkar (or Abdul Rahim Amelkar) began painting at age seven. He received formal art training at the Sir J. J. School of arts in Mumbai, winning several awards from the Art Society of India and the Bombay Art Society. He was inspired by the stylized paintings of Khatri, which emphasized high detail and elements from the tradition of miniature art. Amelkar created art on the subject of ordinary folk such as fishermen and tribal people. Amelkar applied colors with his fingers and finished with waterproof ink outlines. Some of his paintings were finished with the paste of cowrie shells for surface shine. This mixed media artwork shows a group of five women preparing fish. There are various bowls around them, and two wear large hats. One woman holds cloth over her nose as to fend off the smell of fish. Green and brown are met with yellow and a bright yellow background that provides further excitement to the work. The artwork bears great texture, which may have been initially applied with his fingertips. Fine outlining and detailing recalls the miniature tradition, while the palette and sponge-like texture give the work modern flair. Amelkar exhibited throughout India, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Calcutta and Chennai and won the Gold medal at the Bombay Art Society in 1953-54. He also exhibited abroad including Singapore in 1965. His work can be found in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. Keywords: Indian Art, India, Javanese influence, Nutan Kala Mandir, Malaysia, Asia