Galleria VSB

akbar padamsee

Akbar Padamsee (12 April 1928 – 6 January 2020) was an Indian artist and painter, considered one of the pioneers in modern Indian painting along with S.H. Raza, F.N. Souza and M.F. Husain. Over the years he also worked with various mediums from oil painting, plastic emulsion, water colour, etc. Though widely spoken of as a modernist, Akbar Padamsee continued to resist easy categorization. Throughout his illustrious career spanning almost seven decades, he had remained fiercely experimental, individualistic, and original. Born in Mumbai on April 12, 1928, Padamsee has been referred to as an intellectual artist, inspired by formal conundrums and conceptual schemes. He had always been interested in the science of art, always investigating.

DISTINCTIVE STYLE

Akbar Padamsee was known for his versatile and complex style, mastering color and form to evoke depth and emotion. His work often explored philosophical themes, including perception, reality, and dualities. His “Metascapes” and “Mirror Images” series delved into these concepts, while his nudes and portraits examined the human form and psyche. Padamsee’s minimalist use of space, with large areas of color, emphasized essential elements, creating a sense of vastness and focusing on the core of his subjects.

EXHIBITIONS

Padamsee’s work was widely exhibited in India and internationally, with his first solo show at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in 1954. His art was showcased at renowned institutions like the National Gallery of Modern Art, Tate Gallery, and Museum of Modern Art. A member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, he played a key role in promoting modernism in Indian art and was among the first Indian artists to explore film and photography.

His legacy

In his later years, Akbar Padamsee remained active in the art world, participating in exhibitions and mentoring young artists despite health challenges. He passed away on January 6, 2020, at 91, leaving behind a lasting legacy in modern Indian art. His contributions continue to be celebrated, and his paintings, sculptures, and films remain key to India’s artistic heritage.

akbar padamsee

UNTITLED
44 X 36 inches
Oil On Canvas
2004

akbar padamsee

UNTITLED
35 X 47 inches
Oil On Canvas
1994's

akbar padamsee

UNTITLED
44 X 36 inches
Oil On Canvas
2004

akbar padamsee

UNTITLED
35 X 47 inches
Oil On Canvas
1994's

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