Page 5 - N S Bendre - Selected Works 1935 - 1991
P. 5

FOREWARD






















                                           n the history of Modern Indian Art, N S Bendre is a
                                           towering figure. With an extremely versatile artistic career,
                                           he effortlessly moved across genres, including landscapes,
                                       I figurative works, or abstraction, and created a harmonious
                                      confluence of tradition and modernity on his canvases. His
                                    artistic evolution was rooted in his bold use of colour and light,
                               and his relentless exploration through the years, which resulted in him
                            excelling in a range of diverse techniques. From his vibrant depictions of
                            rural India to his experiments with Cubism and abstraction, Bendre’s works
                            exemplify a deep sensitivity to the nuances of form and texture. His ability to
                            draw inspiration from both Indian and Western traditions, while remaining
                            rooted in his cultural milieu, positioned him as one of the most innovative
                            artists of his time.
                                  This book offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeply
                            into Bendre’s contributions, his evolution as an artist, and his enduring legacy.
                            A particularly noteworthy aspect of this effort is its ability to transcend the
                            constraints of traditional art documentation. Drawing on archival materials,
                            personal anecdotes, and in-depth analysis, the book weaves a rich tapestry
                            of Bendre’s artistic life. By capturing Bendre’s journey—from his formative
                            years in Indore and his pioneering role in Baroda to his experiments with
                            modernism and his later years—this book fills a critical void. It not only
                            celebrates his achievements but also underscores the timeless relevance of
                            his work in the context of contemporary art.


                                                                                  Vickram Sethi
                                                                         Chairman, The Arts Trust



















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