K.S. Kulkarni

One of the most significant modernists of Indian art, K.S. Kulkarni (1919-1984) fused classical and folk sensibilities of indigenous art with a contemporary aesthetic. He painted in the fashion of cubists, in a semi-abstract manner. In his works, the decorative grace and elegance of the Ajanta murals and the Chola bronzes merged with the intricacies of modern representation.

Born in one of the villages of Belgaum, Karnataka, Kulkarni had a childhood of hardships. Due to the sudden demise of his father, when he was just 11, he had to paint signboards to support his family. He had received his art training through the Graduate Diploma in Fine Art (Mural) from the reputed Sir J.J. School of Art.

Kulkarni played a pioneering role in the development of art institutions in India. One of the founding members of the Delhi Silpi Chakra, Kulkarni also founded the renowned art and culture organization Triveni Kala Sangam. He also served as the Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, Lucknow and Vice Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.

The art of K.S. Kulkarni was also inspired by his international travels, especially sojourns to South America. The aesthetics of the Etruscan art influenced him deeply and these further contributed to the development of his characteristic personal style. Interestingly, he was also attracted to the simplicity inherent in children’s art.

Kulkarni painted themes and subjects from both the rural and urban life of India. Essentially, a certain sophistication and elegance emerge in his oeuvre. The influence of classical Indian art lends a mysterious and poetic aura to his practice. He played around with the sensuousness of form and colour to create a heightened effect of the plastic potentiality of form.

K.S. Kulkarni had exhibited widely across India and abroad. He had also been the recipient of many prestigious national awards.