Untitled

This work from 1959 belongs to Ram Kumar's early figurative phase. The figures he depicts in these images are reminiscent of the forlorn characters he portrays in his novel, Ghar Bane Ghar Toote. Richard Bartholemew states: '...in Ram Kumar's paintings of the 1950's one recognized the dramatis personnae as city people in a city environment circumscribed by the constrictions of urban society and motivated by conflicts which ensue from dense population, unemployment, and artificial relationships... Somewhat marionette-like and angularly stanced with half-gestures that seem to clutch at something precious, the boldly but starkly portrayed people [are] related to one another because of the pervading quality of introspection, of a searching for meaning, purpose, release which is written large on their countenances.' (Richard Bartholomew, 'Attitudes to the Social Condition: Notes on Ram Kumar', Lalit Kala Contemporary 24-25, New Delhi, 1981, p.31.)