V.S. Gaitonde's Abstract Paintings at Guggenheim Reveal Unique Fusion of Indian and Asian Traditions

From October 24, 2014, to February 11, 2015, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York hosted a retrospective featuring the works of Indian artist Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde, curated by Sandhini Poddar. The display encompassed pieces spanning from the 1950s to the 1990s, highlighting Gaitonde's evolution from figurative representation to complete abstraction. Born in 1924 and passing away in 2001, Gaitonde was inspired by both Indian cultural traditions and Western art. His distinctive 'lift-off' technique created luminous surfaces using thin layers of paint. In the fall of 2015, the exhibition is set to move to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. Gaitonde, who studied at the Sir J.J. School of Art and was influenced by Zen Buddhism, showcased India at two Venice Biennales.