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K.G. Subramanyan — featured artwork

Introduction

K.G. Subramanyan was one of the most exciting, versatile and polymathic artists of India. He was, among other things, a seminal thinker and intellectual, a prolific writer on art and his art encompassed an ecclectic and diverse range of media.

Date of Birth
15 Feb 1924
Zodiac sign
Aquarius
Date of Death
29 Jun 2016
Age
92
Place of Birth
Kuthuparambu, Kerala, India
Place of Death
Vadodara, Gujarat, India
State Country of Birth
Kerala, India
State Country of Death
Gujarat, India

Exhibitions

  1. 1953

    1. Indian Art Exhibition, USA
  2. 1955

    1. Delhi Shilpi Chakra, Freemason's Hall, New Delhi, India
  3. 1956

    1. Three Young Artists from Abroad - Hitchin, UK
    2. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
  4. 1958

    1. Delhi Shilpi Chakra, New Delhi, India
  5. 1959

    1. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
  6. 1961

    1. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
    2. Sao Paolo Biennale, Brazil
  7. 1962

    1. Kunika-Chemould Art Centre, New Delhi, India

      24 Dec 1962 to 03 Jan 1963

  8. 1964

    1. Tokyo Biennale, Japan
    2. Ten Indian Artists, USA
  9. 1965

    1. Exhibition of Textile Paintings, Mural, Woven Hangings, New York World Trade Fair, New York, USA
    2. Commonwealth Arts Festival, Commonwealth Gallery, London, UK
    3. Ten Indian Artists, South East Asia
    4. Art now in India, Lanig Art Gallery, Newcastle, UK
  10. 1966

    1. Indian Art Exhibition, Ghent, Belgium
    2. Gallery Chemould, Mumbai, India
  11. 1967

    1. Gallery Navina, New York, USA
    2. Gallery Chemould, Mumbai, India
  12. 1968

    1. 1st Triennale India, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
20 of 204

Integrated Timeline

59 entries

Chronicled Highlights 211973 – 2022

K.G. Subramanyan was born in 1924 in Kuthuparambu, Kerala, India.

1973
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Forty Masterpieces Museum Quality Series VIIMumbai · 09 September 2006

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Terrace I (1973), offered in the Forty Masterpieces Museum Quality Series VII by Osian's, which concluded on 09 September 2006 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹1,20,00,000 ($259,347). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Terrace I, 1973 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,20,00,000
20% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 80,00,000 – 1,00,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 2,799
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
65.6 × 65.4 in (167 × 166 cm)
Lot
22 · Os.Mum/09.09.06
1981
Literary ReferencePainting
HEART · The Intuitive-Logic II: Modern & Contemporary Indian Paintings, Drawings, Graphics, Sculpture & TapestryMumbai · 15 November 1997

K.G. Subramanyan’s ability to use the human form, especially the female face, as a means of creating images which fuse the playful and the harsh, the erotic and detached, so evolving an iconicity through the mood of an iconoclast, is unique. The pictorial techniques and modes of traditional Indian glass painting, the Kalighat pats, the Japanese Ukiyo-e woodcut prints and the art of Matisse, are all fused within his original artistic mind and hand, so revealing a style and idiom, totally his own

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Portrait Gallery, 1981 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,44,000
Below low estimate
Estimate
INR 1,75,000 – 2,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 388
Medium
Reverse oil painting on acrylic sheet
Dimensions
22.4 × 16.5 in (57 × 42 cm)
Signature
Signed in Bengali, l.l.
Lot
164 · He.Mum/15.11.97
1983
Retrospective ExhibitionSolo Exhibition Catalogue
K.G. Subramanyan · K. G. SubramanyanBirla Academy of Art and Culture · 18 December 1983

In 1983, K. G. Subramanyan Retrospective Exhibition marked a major milestone in the exhibition history of K.G. Subramanyan, offering a retrospective survey of the artist's artistic production

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). K. G. Subramanyan, 1983 | Solo Exhibition Catalogue | 00882801
1987
Image 1/2
First Auction Appearance | BOOK.AUCPainting
Christie's · Contemporary Indian Art (Charity Auction)Mumbai · 20 December 1987

On 20 December 1987, K.G. Subramanyan made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Faces was presented as Lot 32 in Contemporary Indian Art (Charity Auction), conducted by Christie's in Mumbai, India. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Faces, n.d. | Painting
Medium
Painting on acrylic sheet
Lot
32 · Ch.Mum/20.12.87
1987
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary ArtNew Delhi · 01 March 2006

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Rain On High Street (1987), offered in the Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 01 March 2006 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹27,60,000 ($62,232). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Rain On High Street, 1987 | Painting
Selling price
INR27,60,000
268% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 6,00,000 – 7,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 3,679
Medium
Gouache and oil on perspex
Dimensions
31.5 × 23.8 in (80 × 61 cm)
Lot
92 · Os.Del/01.03.06
1989
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary ArtNew Delhi · 01 March 2006

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Training For Circus (1989), offered in the Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 01 March 2006 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹32,20,000 ($72,604). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Training For Circus, 1989 | Painting
Selling price
INR32,20,000
329% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 6,00,000 – 7,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 3,757
Medium
Reverse painting in gouache and oil on acrylic sheet
Dimensions
36 × 23.8 in (91 × 61 cm)
Lot
94 · Os.Del/01.03.06
1989
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary ArtNew Delhi · 01 March 2006

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Symbols Of Liberty (1989), offered in the Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 01 March 2006 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹34,50,000 ($77,790). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Symbols Of Liberty, 1989 | Painting
Selling price
INR34,50,000
360% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 6,00,000 – 7,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 4,253
Medium
Reverse painting in gouache and oil on acrylic sheet
Dimensions
34.8 × 23.3 in (88 × 59 cm)
Lot
93 · Os.Del/01.03.06
1990
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Modern and Contemporary Paintings by Nine Masters: Spring Online AuctionOnline · 02 March 2005

In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1990), offered in the Modern and Contemporary Paintings by Nine Masters: Spring Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 02 March 2005 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹9,61,400 ($22,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Untitled, 1990 | Painting
Selling price
INR9,61,400
49% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 4,30,000 – 6,45,000
Rate per sq in
INR 745
Medium
Gouache on paper
Dimensions
41 × 31.5 in (104 × 80 cm)
Lot
30 · Sa.Onl/02.03.05
1994
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Modern and Contemporary Paintings by Nine Masters: Spring Online AuctionOnline · 02 March 2005

In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Odd Encounters (1994), offered in the Modern and Contemporary Paintings by Nine Masters: Spring Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 02 March 2005 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹19,25,597 ($44,064). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Odd Encounters, 1994 | Painting
Selling price
INR19,25,597
33% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 12,50,000 – 14,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 662
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
53.5 × 54.3 in (136 × 138 cm)
Lot
28 · Sa.Onl/02.03.05
1999
Public Auction HighPainting
Apparao Art · The Bengal Art Auction: Early and Current Art of the RegionOnline · 03 September 2006

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Two Women (1999), offered in the The Bengal Art Auction: Early and Current Art of the Region by Apparao Art, which concluded on 03 September 2006 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹70,85,000 ($152,562). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Two Women, 1999 | Painting
Selling price
INR70,85,000
102% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 34,00,000 – 35,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 3,379
Medium
Acrylic on silk
Dimensions
36 × 58.3 in (91 × 148 cm)
Lot
51 · AA.Onl/03.09.06
2000
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Indian Contemporary Fine ArtLos Angeles · 21 September 2001

In 2001, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Buss Cola And The Beauty Queens (2000), offered in the Indian Contemporary Fine Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 21 September 2001 at Los Angeles, achieving a sale price of ₹3,84,080 ($8,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Buss Cola And The Beauty Queens, 2000 | Painting
Selling price
INR3,84,080
Rate per sq in
INR 132
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
54 × 54 in (137 × 137 cm)
Lot
54 · Sa.LoA/21.09.01
2000
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Modern Indian PaintingsOnline · 16 May 2002

In 2002, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Mask, Icon, Mount, Mascot (2000), offered in the Modern Indian Paintings by Saffronart, which concluded on 16 May 2002 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹3,98,400 ($8,121). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Subramanyan, K.G. (Artist). Mask, Icon, Mount, Mascot, 2000 | Painting
Selling price
INR3,98,400
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 3,50,000 – 4,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 137
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
53.9 × 53.9 in (137 × 137 cm)
Lot
48 · Sa.Onl/16.05.02
12 of 21

Economics of Art

20 of 50

Research Centre

20 of 492

Posts 2

  1. The Window of an American Skyscraper
    In 1968, KG Subramanyan unveiled "Windows-II", a pivotal piece within his expansive series of polyptychs and murals. Rooted in both practicality and theory, this series emerged from Subramanyan's formative years in New York, where spatial constraints sparked his innovative use of multiple canvases. The concept of polyptychs, manifested in "Windows-II", invites viewers into a voyeuristic exploration through structured panels. Each window in Subramanyan's artwork offers a glimpse into the ordinary lives of people, reminiscent of earlier terracotta panels but now characterized by a modular, repetitive grid. Art critic Siva Kumar describes Subramanyan's technique as transforming figures and landscapes into vibrant, flattened forms, evoking a sense of animated mystery.  Subramanyan's "Windows-II" exemplifies his mastery in merging narrative elements with visual artistry, presenting viewers with a tableau that challenges conventional storytelling through its serial and repetitive structure.
  2. All Living Souls
    Tuli Research Centre for India Studies presents All Living Souls - Expressed in the Modern and Contemporary Fine & Popular Indian Arts Curated by Neville Tuli As part of launching the 16th Research Category for India Studies - "The Animal-Human-Nature-Continuum" we present a fascinating exhibition of modern and contemporary Indian fine and popular arts and their expression of the ideas and forms related to the dialogue between animals and humans, and the larger cosmic and spiritual thoughts which abide therein. Please visit the Exhibition and see the artworks by modern and contemporary masters such as Rabindranath Tagore, D.P. Roy Chowdhury, M.F. Husain, J. Swaminathan, J. Sultan Ali, Somnath Hore, Ganesh Pyne, Manjit Bawa, K. Laxma Goud, Krishna Reddy, Jyoti Bhatt, Rekha Rodwittiya, Amit Ambalal, among others, along with vintage and rare prints from the pioneering Indian chromolithographic presses such as Chitrashala, Ravi Varma, Calcutta Art Studio, Chore Bagan & Kansaripara.

Calendar 2

  1. Self Discovery via Rediscovering India Series  Part IV Building www.tuliresearchcentre.org
    ArchivedExhibitionProject 5
    Self Discovery via Rediscovering India Series Part IV Building www.tuliresearchcentre.org
    20th - 23rd February 2025
    Self Discovery via Rediscovering India Series Part IV
    Read More →
    +16 more
  2. Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India Series Inaugural Exhibition
    ArchivedExhibitionProject 1
    Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India Series Inaugural Exhibition
    14th - 29th March 2024
    Inaugural Exhibition
    Read More →
    +33 more

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