Angela Trindade

 Angela Trindade, born on August 10, 1909, in Bombay, was a pioneering Indian painter known for her distinctive blend of Western-style portraits and Christian paintings infused with Indian aesthetics. She was the daughter of the renowned artist António Xavier Trindade and Florentina Noronha, and she inherited her father's passion for art. Trindade studied at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay, where she became the first woman painter to receive a fellowship, a testament to her early achievements and commitment to her craft.

Her artistic journey was characterised by a bold exploration of styles. Initially influenced by her father's aesthetics and her Western education, Trindade excelled in both Western academic oil painting and Indian thematic portrayals. She gained acclaim for her portraits and Christian-themed paintings in a uniquely Indian style, such as "Our Lady of Conception" (1956), which earned her the prestigious Papal decoration Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1955.

Trindade's most significant contribution to the art world was her development of "Trindadism," a personal style characterised by the symbolic use of the triangle and the trinity. This approach allowed her to express cultural and spiritual dimensions in her art, showcasing her creativity and individuality as an artist.

Over her career, Trindade received accolades such as the gold medal at the first All India Women Artists Exhibition in 1936 and held her first solo exhibition in India at the Chetana Gallery in Bombay in 1947. She also exhibited internationally, including a solo show at the Fine Art Club in Washington D.C. in 1949.

Trindade's artistic journey continued to evolve, particularly during her visits to the United States in the 1960s, where she explored Tantric Art and Abstract Expressionism. She permanently relocated there in 1963, further enriching her artistic palette and influences.

Sadly, Angela Trindade passed away unexpectedly in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1980. Her legacy lives on through numerous exhibitions showcasing her religious and non-religious works, including a permanent collection at the Fundação Oriente Delegation in India since January 2021. Her life and work remain a testament to the vibrant intersection of cultures and artistic expression in 20th-century Indian art.