D.G Kulkarni

 D.G. "Dattatray Gundo" Kulkarni, better known as Dizi, was an influential Indian painter, cartoonist, and sculptor, regarded as one of the most interesting Modernist artists in India. Born in 1921 in Shedbal village, Karnataka, Dizi demonstrated a raw intensity and eagerness to learn from a young age. He pursued formal training at the Sir J.J School of Art in Mumbai and supported himself as a part-time illustrator and cartoonist. During the Quit India movement in 1942, Dizi's patriotic fervour earned him a prison sentence and a lifelong limp.

Dizi's versatility was reflected in his mastery of drawing, painting, and sculpture. His work was characterised by an honesty of expression rather than a desire for external approval. His early paintings, influenced by bright and vibrant colours, evolved into more sombre representations with deeper tones, emphasising mass, form, and volume. Dizi's distinctive style and relentless experimentation set him apart from his contemporaries, even as he briefly affiliated with the Progressive Artists’ Group and the Bombay Group.

His artistic philosophy emphasised creative integrity, shared by his friends V. S. Gaitonde and S. B. Palsikar. Despite financial hardships, Dizi remained dedicated to his craft, receiving the Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1967 and the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar in 1990. His work spanned various media, including notable portraits, cartoons, and murals, reflecting his ceaseless quest for new forms and styles. Dizi's legacy continues to inspire, providing valuable insights into Mumbai's art history and the broader Indian Modernist movement.