2016-12-05 Mon

Often recognised as India’s ‘Frida Kahlo’, Amrita Sher-Gil is one of the nation’s most celebrated female modern artists.

Heavily influenced by Realism, Sher-Gil strived to portray the lives of people living within her local community. Extensively trained in painting and exposed to the works of Italian masters, her paintings are representative of this period in the history of Modern Art, drawing inspiration from artists like Paul Gauguin and Paul Cezanne.

She became heavily influenced by wall paintings in Western India and the aesthetic of European oil painting techniques. The confluence of East and West is evident in her vibrant canvases. The evolution of her unique style is mirrored through her paintings.

However, such a talented artist lived a very short life. She died of ill health on 6th Dec 194, leaving all her admirers grieving. Despite her short career as an artist, Amrita Sher-Gil remains one of the most captivating artists of her time. Many countries adored her work on a couple of special philatelic issues.

India post issued a special commemorative stamp Rs 2.00 stamp. Issued in the year of 1978 this stamp depicts “Hill Women” – the famous painting of Amrita Sher-Gil.

Tuvalu post issued a souvenir sheet featuring four prominent Indian personalities during Indipex 2011. One of the stamp features a very beautiful portrait of Amrita Sher – Gil.