Krishnaji Howlaji Ara

One of the founding members of the Progressive Artist's Group, Ara was instrumental in establishing new ways of expressing the world around him. 'The most intuitive of the modernists, he, at the same time, used classical devices to extend the language of paint.' (Yashodhara Dalmia, The Making of Modern Indian Art: The Progressives, New Delhi, 2001, p.129)

This work has a Chemould framer's label on reverse

Ara is applauded for his raw and ernest style of painting. Often applying paint directly from the tube, he had a knack of using colour that is unrivalled among his contemporaries. Painted with brash, jagged strokes, this work is typical of Ara's early style of painting.

In1952 he received the Bombay Art Society's Gold Medal for his still life titled 'Two Jugs'. He later became a member of the managing committee of the Bombay Art Society and served on the selection and judging committees of the Lalit Kala Akademi.