Gogi Saroj Pal, the eminent Indian artist known for her impactful and evocative works, passed away on January 27, 2024, at 78. She was born in India on October 3, 1945, and has left a significant artistic legacy, especially in the area of gouache, oil painting, pottery, and weaving, all of which she used to explore the feminine situation.
Her artistic journey began with a diploma in painting from the College of Art in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Despite societal skepticism towards women pursuing art in those times, her passion and determination led her to excel in her chosen field. Gogi Saroj Pal continued her education, obtaining a Diploma in Painting from the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Lucknow and a Postgraduate degree in painting from the College of Art in Delhi.
A versatile artist, Gogi Saroj Pal artworks from her early career were realistic, but as time progressed, she transitioned to simpler, more stylised paintings that carried a fantastical element. Throughout her career, she held nearly 30 solo shows and participated in numerous group exhibitions both in India and internationally, including countries like Yugoslavia, Germany, France, Cuba, and Japan.
Pal’s impact extended beyond her canvas as she contributed to the art education sector. She started teaching in 1970 at the Women’s Polytechnic in New Delhi, later returning to her alma mater, the College of Art, where she taught for a year. Her influence reached institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia University, where she lectured in the art department. In her personal life, Gogi Saroj Pal married fellow artist Ved Nayar, a sculptor. Despite facing various health challenges, including a hip joint replacement that left her in prolonged pain, she found solace and strength in her art, navigating through difficult times. Gogi Saroj Pal paintings, marked by a transition from realism to stylised paintings, often depicted women in various states – feminine, sensuous, coquettish, yet also bovine, obdurate, and slovenly. The nudity in her feminine figures sparked debates about its connection to the country’s spiritual tradition or her rebellious spirit. Gogi, however, let her work speak for itself, exploring how myth influences and reflects society.
One of Gogi Saroj Pal paintings, which has amassed a cult following is the ‘Being a Woman’ series, addressing the place of women in society. One painting from this series portrays a woman in a likeness of Christ’s crucifixion, highlighting the anguish of women often overlooked by society. Gogi Saroj Pal’s contributions earned her several awards, including the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi in 1990.
Gogi Saroj Pal artwork is an investigation of women’s lives, desires, and the enigmatic realm of femininity has left a lasting artistic legacy. From early series like ‘Being a Woman’ to more recent ones like ‘Kamdhenu’ and ‘Dancing Horse,’ her collection of work demonstrates her steadfast dedication to tackling societal challenges and highlighting the resilience of women. Although the art world is saddened by Gogi Saroj Pal’s demise, her influence will go on for many years.
Image Courtesy – The Hindu
