Description:

Lot 3. GULAM RASOOL SANTOSH (1929–1997) TANTRA, SIGNED AT VERSO, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
Circa late 20th century

Executed in acrylic on canvas, this carefully constructed composition centres upon a symmetrical arrangement of geometric and mandalic forms rendered in luminous tones of yellow, orange, violet, and green. The forms interlock in measured harmony around a radiant circular core, framed by layered triangles and petal-like enclosures. The pigment is evenly applied, producing a smooth, matte surface that enhances the meditative clarity of the design. A subtle lilac-grey border encloses the field, reinforcing its axial balance and chromatic unity.

The work reflects Gulam Rasool Santosh’s mature exploration of tantric geometry as a means of visual meditation. His disciplined structure and chromatic restraint evoke both spiritual transcendence and the intellectual precision characteristic of post-Independence Indian abstraction.

Measurements: 47.5 x 36 in (120.6 x 91.4 cm)



Footnotes:

G.R. Santosh, born in 1929 in the picturesque Kashmir valley, weathered the tribulations of life that momentarily forced him to abandon his artistic pursuits after his father's demise. Embracing a kaleidoscope of odd jobs, from silk weaving to signboard painting, Santosh gradually gravitated back to the realm of painting. His reconnection with the art world materialized through his involvement in the Progressive Arts Association in Kashmir, spearheaded by Sayed Haider Raza, a pivotal figure in mobilizing local artists.

In his formative years, Santosh's artistic vision was profoundly shaped by the geometric intricacies and mysticism inherent in the Kashmir valley's landscapes. This indelible connection with his native terrain endowed him with a nuanced visual acuity, manifesting in his semi-abstract treatment of artistic themes. Santosh's contemplative practices culminated in a profound exploration of Cubism, a stylistic shift that resonated in his renowned Cubist landscapes.

Deeply enamored by the works of Cézanne and the Cubist movement, especially Pablo Picasso, Santosh seamlessly blended the emotional ties to his homeland with the formalistic aspects of Cubism. His early landscapes, initiated in 1954 during his two-year sojourn at M.S. University Baroda, showcased an amalgamation of Cubist elements and abstraction, deconstructing the visible world into elemental forms and faceted brushstrokes.

As Santosh progressed into the 1950s, his artistic evolution became more nuanced, embracing calligraphic scripts nuanced with strokes and colours reminiscent of a painted prayer. His palette, marked by dark and heavy pigments, exhibited a deeply personal and contemplative approach. Santosh's compositions gradually shifted towards autumnal colour harmonies, embodying a more meditative and melancholic aesthetic realm, mirroring his inner contemplations.


Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

November 7, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000