Ramkinkar Baij
1960s, Watercolor on paper, 12.7 x 17.8 cmRamkinkar Baij was a man rooted in nature, as he wandered the landscape around Santiniketan observing the simple pastoral lifestyle of the Santhal people. Often highlighted by his earthy palette, these observations served as subjects for his works. He captured the lives of Santhal laborers who migrated to the plains from the villages in the hills during the harvesting season. The spontaneous brushstrokes, fluid shapes defined by frenzied dark outlines, exemplify his unique style.
As shown in this watercolor, Baij captures the strenuous lives of agricultural workers, some standing while others hunched over, occupied in cultivating the land. He has experimented with the theme of harvesting in several of his works, including the seminal sculpture, Thresher/Harvester, which stands in situ in Shantiniketan. The work here gives the impression of having been executed at the moment of being witnessed by the artist. The seemingly quick strokes of black outlines and tonal colors capture the vivaciousness of the field and those harvesting it.
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