Ram Kumar (b. 1924 – d. 2018)
Ram Kumar was a pioneering Indian modernist known for transitioning from figurative art to powerful abstract landscapes. A member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, he studied under André Lhote and Fernand Léger in Paris, drawing early inspiration from social realism. His evocative works, often centered on urban alienation and spiritual desolation—especially through the city of Varanasi—garnered international acclaim. Also, a published Hindi writer, Ram Kumar uniquely bridged visual art and literature. His work The Vagabond set auction records, reflecting his enduring legacy. Honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, he remains a key figure in India’s modern art movement.
