Osian's Auction Catalogue Masterpieces and Museum-Quality III | March 2004

135 MASTERPIECES & MUSEUM-QUALITY III “ In his present work…remnants of the engraved texts remain, but the iconic images have been replaced by squiggles and squirming forms making the whole canvas come out alive in a strange playful dance. The dexterity of tonal play, the sense of depth through layer upon layer of transparent colour, the meticulous arrangement of floating forms are reinforced and stated with greater confidence and clarity. These paintings mark another milestone in Shanti’s fascinating career.” (J. Swaminathan [10 April 1974], rpt. in Shanti Dave EXC . Pundole Gallery 1974.) Encaustic & oil on canvas Mid 1960s “Almost from the very start, his effort was towards evolving an indigenous art which could not be conveniently docketed under ‘pictorial’ or ‘abstract’ labels. He developed the indigenous look by a bold use of hieroglyphic and semi-decorative motifs redolent of the Gujarat region he came from. These motifs, worked out ‘in relief’ invest his canvases both with texture and character.” (Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni, rpt. in Indian Painting Today 1981 . Bombay: Jehangir Art Gallery 1981; p.65.) All works are Untitled Oil on board Early 1950s Oil on canvas Mid 1950s Oil on canvas Early 1960s Encaustic & Oil on canvas Early 1970s Select works by Shanti Dave, 1950–70s