Avinash Chandra (1931 - 1991)

There are minor spots of foxing on the exposed areas of paper, consistent with age. This painting is framed behind glass and in good overall condition, as viewed.
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This painting by Avinash Chandra is emblematic of his lyrical and linear representations of sexualized female forms. Chandra began his career painting Indian landscapes and townscapes before turning to the body, though later works often integrate bodies into broader contexts. In this work, female forms become an uncontrolled and vibrant natural landscape, which reflects Chandra’s energetic approach and skill in making erotic forms emblematic of a larger symbolic meaning. Chandra studied at the Delhi Polytechnic Art School from 1947 to 1951, and soon after his graduation was the youngest artist to be given a solo exhibition the progressive Delhi Silpi Chakra modernist movement. Feeling limited by the opportunities in India, in 1956 Chandra and his wife moved to the UK, where he was largely based for the rest of his career. In 1965, Chandra became the first Indian British artist represented in the collection of the Tate Gallery.