Avinash Chandra (1931-1991)
Untitled (Paths)
Pen and ink, 1959, signed and dated in black ink, on tissue-thin wove paper, sheet 498 x 373mm (19 5/8 x 14 3/4in)

Provenance:
Collection of the Late William G. and Mildred Archer; thence by descent.

Lot Essay

Avinash Chandra was born in Simla, India. He studied at the Delhi Polytechnic Art School between 1947-1951, and achieved early recognition for his work. Aged just twenty-one, he held his first solo exhibition at the Delhi Silip Chakra from which one of his paintings was acquired by Museum of Modern Art, Delhi. In 1955, Chandra married Prem Lata, and when she was awarded a scholarship to study at the Central School of Art in London, Chandra moved with her.

The works in this sale date between 1959-60, these were critical years in the artist's development when Chandra spent a significant period living in Belfast and began to implement brighter colours and greater abstraction. It was particularly Chandra's application of vibrant inks and wash (see lots 66 and 67), and the presence of compelling mystical figures, that struck a note with collectors.

While exhibiting at the Molton Gallery, London, one of his works was acquired by the famous tenor, Sir Peter Pears. Wide critical acclaim followed, in 1962 the BBC broadcast a dedicated documentary (Art of Avinash Chandra) and in 1965, Chandra's 'Hills of Gold' (1964) became the first work by an Indian-British artist to be acquired by the Tate. His career continued to flourish and throughout his life Chandra exhibited widely, including at major museums including Hayward Gallery and Manchester City Gallery.

Indian scenery and heritage remained an important reference point for the artist, as is evidenced in these pen and ink drawings, which bear resemblance to his mid-1950s paintings of Pahalgam, a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir.

This work comes to us from the collection of William G. and Mildred Archer. Archer was an expert on Indian poetry, culture and art. Born in 1907, he worked for the Indian Civil Service from 1931 until 1947. Between 1949 and 1959, he worked as the Keeper of the Indian Section at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.