Legendary artist KG Subramanyan died on Wednesday in Vadodara.
Legendary artist KG Subramanyan, considered one of the pioneers of modern Indian art, died on Wednesday in Vadodara. He was 92.
He studied art at Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan, in the 1940s under masters Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee. After lecturing across the world, he returned there to teach art. He retired in 1989 and settled in Vadodara with his daughter.
"He was painting virtually till the end," said Navin Kishore who has published several books of Mr Subramanyan's art and has a permanent exhibition of his works at the Seagull Foundation of Art in Kolkata.
"I spoke to him even this morning. He seemed fine barring a urinary tract infection. Suddenly his sugar fell, he was rushed to hospital but nothing could be done to save him," he added. His body will be placed at his Vadodara home for people to pay respects from 9 am to 11 am. Several noted artists are expected to arrive at his cremation, which is scheduled to take place at noon.
The Kerala-born artist, fondly referred to as 'Mani Da' received the Padma Vibhushan in 2012, Padma Bhushan in 2006 and Padma Shri in 1975. In a career spanning over six decades, the multifaceted artist had been a painter, sculptor, muralist and print maker. He was known for his outdoor murals and terracotta works.
Rajeev Lochan, director National Gallery of Modern Art said, "The country has lost one of its legendary artists, pedagogue, theorist and scholar with the demise of KG Subramanyan. The NGMA mourns the loss of this noted personality whose contribution to the art world would be always remembered."