V. S Gaitonde

Vasudeo S. Gaitonde (1924-2001) is amongst one of the highest bidding Indian modern artist at present. The last auction of his artwork fetched approximately INR 40 crores, levelling his practice to an unimaginable appraisal. Gaitonde’s inspiration relied on his philosophical beliefs,  Zen and several spiritual Indian leaders. Gaitonde’s works are a formidable force in the reinvention of modern art in India.

Born in Nagpur, Gaitonde pursued his education at Sir J.J School of Art and eventually joined the Bombay Progressive Artists Group in 1950. Due to a close bond with Shankar Palsikar, who inspired him in the Indian traditional watercolour techniques, Gaitonde surged ahead in devising his personal repertoire of pictorials.  His career took a tidal shift as he held exhibitions in India and abroad, receiving high recognition. 

During his visit to international cities like Paris, New York, etc. in 1964, through Rockefeller Fellowship,  Gaitonde was fortunate to meet abstract artists like Mark Rothko, among others. The liberation he found in their form of art opened his perspective, which became his lifelong experimentation. He coined his art as “non-objective”, as opposed to the contemporary modern ‘abstract’. 

A metamorphosis on canvas, Gaitonde effortlessly galvanized concepts to peel back the layers and focus on its originality. Drawing inspiration from Chinese Calligraphy, ancient hieroglyphics, and Zen Buddhism, he was able to replicate the spiritual understanding he had sought to perfect. A sense of enigma is created with intricate details that stamp his identity on the paintings. To attain this meditative state of his mind and on the canvas, he had isolated himself from his family and friends. 

Widely recognized for his outstanding art, his artworks are collected by the worldwide individual as well institutional collectors. At the same time, they are also exhibited at various reputed art venues like the Museum of Modern Art, New York, National Gallery of Modern Art, Pundole Art Gallery, India, Guggenheim Museum, and many more.