V.S. Gaitonde Indian, 1924-2001

Born in 1924 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Vasudeo S. Gaitonde received a diploma in painting from the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai. He was a member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. Gaitonde is one of India's most profound and evocative artists, and played a vital role in establishing the foundations of abstraction in India. Influenced by Zen philosophy and ancient calligraphy, his works have an inherent structure and control on the midst of their stream of consciousness composition. The reclusive master experimented with form and shape in his works evoking subliminal depths in his works, transforming basic elements into platforms for spiritual introspection.

In his lifetime Gaitonde participated in several exhibitions in India and abroad, and continues to routinely set new records at auctions. A major retrospective of his work was held by the Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 2014–15. His work is also part of several important collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Gaitonde received the Padma Shri in 1971, as well as first prize at the Young Asian Artists’ Exhibition, Tokyo, in 1957 and the J.D. Rockefeller III Fellowship in 1964.

The artist passed away in 2001.