Osian's Auction Catalogue India The Passionate Detachment | February 2001

42 THE PASSIONATE DETACHMENT 1 RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861-1941) National Art Treasure Figures S/d in Bengali, t.c. Coloured Inks on handmade paper pasted on board, c. 1930 31.7 x 10.6 cm. (12.5 x 4.2”) Rs. 800,000 - 1,000,000 Non-Exportable Item Rabindranath Tagore probably best grasped this in his all encompassing creativity, beginning to paint from mere doodles. Creativity lies within each individual, if only their inner determination can be nurtured to balance and sustain the hand with a combination of humility and confidence. This point of sustaining a doodle is critical. It can become the trigger for people to realise their inherent creativity, a desire to complete unfinished forms. Soon in the doodle, a line connects, a balance is created here or an emptiness there, some shading follows, a bit of hesitancy, a new line, maybe tangential, new connections link up, making a whole; then to break away, to see it balance, to play with it, to try and give a meaning to it, or to stop looking for meaning, to enjoy being free from wanting meaning, just moving with the flow. A rhythm develops and the creative spirit finds a new outlet. On and on goes the play within, and so, weeks, some months, years, down the line, as the pace is sustained dissolving oneself amid vast energies, yet always alone, evolving a compassion for all things, an interest in all things, …. So creativity may begin, from self-absorption the first seeds of a selfless act are sown. Previous Auction Pricing Reference (PAPR) Lot 166 HT.ND/ 28.11.99 Untitled Watercolour on thin handmade paper, 1938 25.7 x 16.5 cm. ASP: Rs. 546,000