Osian's Auction Catalogue The Masterpieces Series | March 2010

143 The Masterpieces SerieS 89 B. P raBha (1931 – 2001) Fisherwomen Oil on canvas, 1980 S/d in Devanagari ‘B.Prabha 1980’ l.l. 47.0 x 53.3 in (119.5 x 135.6 cm) Provenance THE OSIAN’s COLLECTION INR 3,200,000 – 4,800,000 US$ 66,670 – 100,000 B. Prabha explored several media, techniques and subjects before making oil her chosen language. Gradually, the artist developed an elegant, formal style that she has maintained throughout. Prabha’s work varies from landscapes to social issues like drought, hunger and homelessness. The artist’s conscious effort to explore the dilemmas of women is characteristic of her work. When considering her work, it is important to note that B. Prabha was one of the few practicing female artists at a time when many women of her generation were voicing issues of oppression. This was possibly the reason why Prabha always used her position as an artist to make strong comments on women’s maginalisation.