Satish Gujral

Known as India’s most versatile artist, Satish Gujral was born in 1925 in undivided Punjab. He emigrated from now Pakistan to Delhi with his family where he spent most of his life. Most of his early works portray the trauma and turmoil caused to people at the time of partition. His canvases are a reflection of his personal experiences and journey.

In an interview published in India Today in mid 1980s, Gujral said ‘Partition provided me a reason to discover my inner temperament … If it had not been suited to that tragedy; I would not have been able to paint it.

A painter, a sculptor, an architect and a writer; Satish Gujral was a man of many talents. He chose to be unique in everything that he decided to create. His works were not limited to a specific subject, medium, technique or colour palette. The textures and the colours of the paintings are so brilliantly achieved that it creates a captivating scene for the viewers. While his paintings and sculptures have always been in the focus of light, his burnt wood sculptures stand apart. When asked about his burnt wood series that has references to Indian mythology even as it reflects interplay of contemporary sensibility, Gujral said: “One day, during Lohri, I saw sparks emerging from a burning log. The texture and colour attracted me, and immediately I knew that I wanted to work with burnt wood. 

Gujral’s willingness to experiment and trying new techniques set him apart from his contemporaries. The artist did not let any label define his work. His work received recognition in the form of National and International awards. The  ‘Padma Vibhushan’  and the order of the crown from the Belgian Government for the design of Belgium Embassy in New Delhi selected by an International jury as on one of the 1000 outstanding buildings of the world in the 20th Century.   

The artist’s life has been an inspiration for many; He fought against all odds to receive the much deserved honour and recognition. The artist who lost his hearing at the age of 8 in an unfortunate accident found his voice through art. His legacy will continue to live forever in form of his art.