(1920 - 1982)
Born in 1920 in Solapur, Maharashtra, A.A. Almelkar began painting at the young age of seven. After a conventional education in a local school, he joined the Sir J. J. School of Arts in Mumbai. Like all erstwhile artists, he branched out early in his career and evolved his own style. Ordinary folk, fishermen and tribal people were central to most of his works. He belonged to a tradition of stylized "Indian" painters; with a lot of detailing and elements from the miniature art tradition that were at its peak when he was still studying at the art college. During his student years, he won several awards at shows organized by the Art Society of India and the Bombay Art Society. Almelkar was the Principal of a private art institute called `Nutan Kala Mandir` in Bangalore. He later joined as a lecturer at the Sir J.J School of Arts in 1968. Almelkar’s work was exhibited in several solo and group shows in India and internationally. His shows won acclaim in Malaysia and in other Asian capitals too. He won the National award for excellence in art, and was invited as a state guest to Malaysia to deliver several lectures. His selected collections are with National Gallery of Modern Art and Lalit Kala Akademi. Almelkar passed away in December 1982 at the age of 62.