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lot 19

lot 19

Badri Narayan

The Hamsa Birth

watercolor on paper
13.5 x 19.5 in. (34.3 x 49.5 cm.)
painted in 2008

Bought-In

Estimate: US$ 6,000 - 9,000

Lot Closed

Lot Details

Initialed in Devnagari (lower right)
Signed and dated in English (on the reverse)

PROVENANCE
Saffronart / Lot 12 / Modern & Contemporary Indian Art / Winter Online Auction / 8-9 December 2010
Private collection, Dubai

Badri Narayan's paintings are narrative, the title serves as the starting points from where one must unravel the complexities presented by the paintings, in order to interpret and understand them. Symbolism is a recurring feature of his works, though sometimes, he also uses popular folklore or icononography from Indian culture. He explains, "I have picked up the imagery that surrounds me, the one I am born into, and it comes naturally." Narayan draws heavily from Indian mythology and metaphors and acknowledges the influence of the Indian miniature tradition in his works. The artist believes in the two-dimensionality of painting, and prefers to work in a smaller format; one that he finds practical and well suited for the watercolours that have been his preferred medium for several years including the current picture.

Badri Narayan

(1929 - 2013)
Born in Hyderabad, Badri Narayan is a self-taught artist. He has held over fifty solo exhibitions in various cities in India and internationally, the most recent being at the Viewing Room, Mumbai, in 2012; Mon Art Gallerie, Kolkata, in 2007-08; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2006, 2004, and 2002 and Galerie 88, Kolkata in 2002. Narayan has also represented India at the Bharat Bhavan Biennale, Bhopal, in 1992; the VII and II International Triennials, New Delhi, 1991 and 1971 respectively; the Festival of India, Moscow, in 1987; the V Biennale of Prints, Tokyo, in 1966; and the II Paris Biennale in 1961. He has exhibited with Saffronart in Hong Kong in 2001. He has written and illustrated several books since 1977, and taught art to school children. Narayan was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1987; a Senior Fellowship for Outstanding Artists from the Government of India in 1984-86, and the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 1965. Badri Narayan passed away in Bangalore in 2013.