SATISH GUJRAL (1925 - 2020)

From a prominent collector in Mumbai

Satish Gujral communicated in Urdu and Punjabi, the two languages that he had been learning before loosing his hearing ability at the age of eight. After an uneventful stint at the Lahore School of Art, Gujral went on to join the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai despite his mother's apprehensions. He was rather critical of the adaptation of techniques and vocabulary from European expressionism and cubism and sought to learn Indian mythology, folklore and history for inspiration.
He climbed the steady path of recognition after he won a scholarship, after the partition of the country, to further pursue his studies in art in Mexico, where he found company amongst many important local artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Siquerioz and Jose Clemente Orozco, in particular, who had the most enduring influence on his works.
Apart from a talented painter, sculptor and muralist, Gujral found recognition even as an architect, though he had no formal training in architecture, and is credited with designing many public and private buildings. In spite of his handicap and the difficulties that followed, he has achieved a lot and was also awarded the 'Padma Vibhushan' – the second highest civilian award in India.