A Ramachandaran (1935-2024)Visions of Ramdev, Song of the Shimbul Tree (Diptych) signed and dated 'Ramachandran 2001' lower rightoil on canvas, framed202.01 x 142.9cm (79 9/16 x 56 1/4in).Footnotes:ProvenanceProperty from a Corporate Collection, UK.Born in 1935, Ramachandran was a prolific Indian artist whose career, spanning from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century, masterfully blended modern dramatic representations with imagery and aesthetics deeply rooted in Indian classical art, engaging lyrically with life and nature. In 1957, Ramachandran studied under the guidance of renowned masters like Ramkinkar Baij and Benodebehari Mukherjee at Viswa Bharati University in Santiniketan. The vibrant cultural and intellectual atmosphere of Santiniketan deepened his connection to the art traditions of India and other Eastern civilizations, sparking a lifelong fascination with and exploration of the mural paintings of Kerala temples. His studies extended to Rajasthani miniature traditions, which significantly reshaped his visual language. As a result, Ramachandran seamlessly integrated various elements of Indian classical art into his oeuvre, embracing composite motifs, decorative features, and the exuberance of forms and colours. His artistic journey includes a diverse range of influences, such as muralist traditions, watercolours, tempera, silkscreen painting, Tibetan tangkas, and the frescoes of Ajanta and Jaipur.In the diptych, Visions of Ramdev, Song of the Shimbul Tree, Ramachandran drew extensively on his research and background in the Kerala muralist tradition, as well as influences from Japanese screen paintings, inspiring him to segment his canvases into panels. Ramachandran has occasionally been viewed as a contentious figure within the Indian modern art scene, mistakenly labelled by some as a 'neo-revivalist' or 'anti-modernity' artist. These claims arise from his powerful figuration and innovative use of Indian mythology, alongside his enduring fascination with Asian artistic traditions.In the present lot, the colours and forms of the murals in Kerala temples depicting Hindu mythology significantly influenced Ramachandran visual expression. The themes of Hindu myths became a rich resource for his creativity and artistic style. The title of the work references Ramdev Pir, a revered character in Indian mythology who was celebrated for helping the oppressed and advocating for the equality of all people. This present lot also reflects Ramachandran's focus on tribal community life, particularly among the tribes from Rajasthan, whose way of life and cultural background profoundly fuelled his creativity. This diptych depicts a peaceful, rural setting and features a group of four seated figures beneath a large, vibrant tree. The tree, prominently positioned across both panels, is adorned with foliage and bears fruits. The figures, dressed in traditional Indian attire, are arranged in calm, seated postures, giving the scene a serene and reflective atmosphere. Each wear richly patterned clothing in earthy tones of orange, purple, green, and yellow. The warm, muted colours unify the scene, and the repetitive patterns, both in the figures' clothing and the tree's branches, create a sense of harmony and rhythm. The painting explores themes of nature, tradition, and spirituality, with its calm composition and traditional elements inviting contemplation. As such, decorative elements, dramatic atmospheres and myths have become an integral part of his work along with his strong lines, dynamic compositions and a refined understanding of colour theories. However, while Ramachandran draws profound inspiration from Indian traditional art and temple murals, his work cannot simply be categorized as decorative. 'My decorativeness is a very sophisticated part of a visual language. It is not the ordinary sense of decorativeness,' says Ramachandran, in Open Magazine, A Ramachandran: 'I am an artist who paints by the acre', to Rosalyn D'Mello in 2019. Instead, it transcends conventional ornamentation to create visual drama that captivates the viewer. His vibrant canvases are imbued with a sense of blossoming life that celebrates nature and existence in its countless manifestations. In this work Ramachandran evokes a sense of movement and vitality, inviting the audience to engage with the complexity of life itself and the interconnectedness of all living things. This perspective elevates his art beyond mere decoration to a powerful expression of the human experience.'You see, just by sitting and observing alone doesn't help you. As an artist, the process of painting for me is to look at nature, and then, when I draw, starting from clear lines, I am trying to get an inner rhythm of each image. They are not just leaves. There is a flow of life that passes through each image. Now that gives a painting its own life.' ( A. Ramachandran)Finally, inspired by the natural surroundings and people of rural areas outside Udaipur in Rajasthan, Ramachandran weaves lyrical narratives adorned with motifs of flora and fauna to celebrate the beauty of these landscapes and their inhabitants. His art seeks to provide a reprieve, offering a soothing escape from the burdens of everyday existence. Rather than exacerbate their struggles, Ramachandran intends to bring solace to viewers. 'Instead of shouting slogans and fighting, why not console people? Why not, you know, sing them a lullaby and put them to sleep, like a mother to a child, or sing a song which is soothing, which lets people forget their miseries?' (A. Ramachandran)This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com