Sudhir Patwardhan (Indian, B.1949) Untitled (Two Men)

Sudhir Patwardhan (Indian, B.1949)
Untitled (Two Men)
oil on canvas, framed
71.3 x 52.4cm (28 1/16 x 20 5/8in).
Provenance
Property from a private collection, UK
Acquired from the artist;
Thence by descent

Sudhir Patwardhan was born in Pune, India, in 1949. He studied medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and worked as a radiologist for several years before pursuing art full-time. Patwardhan's interest in art began in childhood when he was fascinated by drawing and painting. He continued to pursue art as a hobby throughout his medical studies and early career as a radiologist. In the 1970s, he began attending art classes and workshops in Mumbai and soon decided to pursue art professionally. In 1975, he held his first solo exhibition in Mumbai, which received critical acclaim and established him as a significant new talent in the Indian art world. Since then, he has exhibited widely in India and internationally, and his work is held in several public and private collections.

Patwardhan's artistic style is influenced by a range of artistic traditions, including Indian miniature painting, Western figurative art, and modernism. His work often explores the complexities of contemporary urban life in India, particularly the experiences of ordinary people in Mumbai. He is known for his realistic and detailed paintings, which often depict urban landscapes, figures, and everyday objects with great sensitivity and depth. His work often depicts the complexities and contradictions of modern urban life, and the struggles faced by individuals within this context.

In the present lot, he has painted one of most frequently depicted subjects, the male. The man on the right has his arm reassuringly resting on the shoulder of the man on the left. The facial expressions of both men are unclear, and open to interpretation, although they appear stoic. The composition and story, if any, that the painter wishes to relay is unclear, however this is likely deliberate.

Patwardhan's depictions of men often reflect his interest in the social and economic inequalities that exist in contemporary Indian society, particularly with regards to class and gender. Whilst his paintings do not specifically focus on the representation of gay men, his work does sometimes address issues related to sexuality and sexual identity.

Through his paintings, Patwardhan seeks to draw attention to the challenges and complexities of contemporary Indian society, and to encourage his viewers to engage with the human stories that lie behind the headlines and statistics. By focusing on the experiences of men, he captures the psychological and emotional states of his subjects. Patwardhan offers a unique perspective on the realities of life in India, and invites us to reflect on the social, cultural, and political factors that shape our lives.