Signed lower left “Kumar 61” in Hindi. Signed “Ram Kumar 61” on the back.
Provenance:
Private collection, Spain. Acquired by the previous owner’s father.
Condition:
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Unframed.
This painting, created by the artist Ram Kumar, is titled “Benares” and dates back to 1961. It is an abstract representation of the architecture of the city of Benares (modern-day Varanasi, India), executed in a muted palette of browns, beiges, and olive tones.
The composition consists of geometric shapes and structures layered upon one another, reminiscent of houses and neighborhoods. Ram Kumar used rough brushstrokes and textured surfaces, creating a sense of antiquity and the mystical atmosphere of the city. The silhouettes of the buildings appear blurred and distorted, emphasizing the symbolic and spiritual significance of Benares as a sacred city for Indians.
The painting conveys a meditative stillness and the eternal architectural structure of the city, evoking both a sense of time and timelessness. The textures and forms reflect Ram Kumar’s unique style, where both the form and the emotions evoked by the abstract interpretations of reality are important.
This work is a significant contribution to Indian abstract art, representing the artist’s transition from figurative painting to a more abstract style.
Ram Kumar, born in Shimla, India in 1924, was a pioneer of abstract art in India. His early life was marked by his education in Delhi, where he studied economics before moving to Paris in 1949 to study painting under renowned artists such as Fernand Léger. His initial works were figurative, but his style evolved into abstract expressionism over time. Deeply influenced by existentialism, Ram Kumar’s paintings often depicted inner struggles and emotional landscapes, moving away from traditional representations to explore human conditions through abstraction.
A pivotal moment in Ram Kumar’s career came after his visit to Varanasi in the 1960s, where the spiritual and physical contrasts of the city greatly impacted his work. His abstract urban landscapes, inspired by Varanasi’s ghats and temples, are considered some of his most powerful creations. Internationally acclaimed, Ram Kumar exhibited in prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale, and his contributions to modern art earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan. His legacy endures as a key figure in Indian modernism, both as an artist and a writer.
Explore the December 7th Aurora & Athena Auction Results: a remarkable showcase of modern art, featuring record-breaking sales of iconic 20th-century masterpieces by Pho, Music, and more.
Dive into the vibrant world of Indian Contemporary Art, exploring key trends, emerging talents, and unique opportunities for collectors, artists, and enthusiasts alike.
Explore the transformative movements of 20th-century art with Aurora & Athena. From Indian modernists to Russian avant-garde and European pioneers, our auctions connect collectors with masterpieces defining modern art history.
Discover the Indian art market’s 2024 auction highlights, featuring record-breaking sales for artists like Sayed Haider Raza, Ram Kumar, and others at Sotheby’s and Pundole’s, marking a significant year for Indian modern art.
Join us for the December 7th Inaugural Auction: a curated showcase of 20th-century masterpieces, featuring iconic works by Raza, Freire, and Delaunay. This exclusive modern art auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces that define fine art.
Explore record-breaking auction sales of Aivazovsky, Feshin, and Korovin in 2024, as their iconic works achieved exceptional results at Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and MacDougall Arts, setting new benchmarks for Russian art.
Explore the Art Market Trends 2025: A captivating look at the future of fine arts and watercolors, highlighting key insights for collectors, artists, and investors.
