Padma Bhushan Akbar Padamsee, a prominent figure in modern Indian art, was born in Mumbai in 1928. Renowned as an intellectual artist, he drew inspiration from formal complexities and conceptual frameworks. His artistic journey began at the Sir J.J. School of Art in 1951, before he ventured to Paris for further studies.
Paris lived up to and exceeded his expectations. For an entire year, he neither attended art school nor painted; instead, he immersed himself in understanding the nuances of his craft. He methodically pursued his goals by studying masterpieces in museums, exploring books in libraries, and frequently visiting art galleries. This period of intense exploration allowed him to absorb diverse facets of the art world, fostering deep introspection through self-imposed isolation.
From a young age, Padamsee was captivated by the human head. He famously recalled creating his first “head” when he was just four years old, emphasizing that for him, eyes were paramount as they conveyed a “look.” He noted that the first image one sees is their own reflection—always a reversed version—both familiar and unfamiliar, which fascinated him. He believed that the human head offers limitless possibilities for representation, with each variant possessing its own unique qualities. His ongoing quest revolved around discovering a look, a gaze, an expression, or a stance.
The two serigraphs from his acclaimed Head series exemplify his signature style, with one resembling the effect of oil colors and the other grounded in charcoal. These works, notable as the only limited edition serigraphs ever produced in this series, have garnered prestigious accolades, including Printweek India and National Awards. Akbar Padamsee left us in 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of art. In Padamsee’s artworks, Veera Rasa shows courage and heroism through the strong, individual expressions of his human figures, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
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