National Gallery of Modern Art-Parikraman

Nandalal Bose

A Sketch from Album No. 71 8833 Nandalal Bose Pen & Ink on postcard

Nandalal is known to have fervently sketched on postcard sized papers mostly using ink and brush, recording his surroundings. His small sketches vastly vary in detailing, some drawn quickly with just a few lines, others executed with more elaborate characteristics from an analytical perspective. His search for newer forms of expression is well reflected in the multiple postcards in the collection of the museum which portray his visual experiences of mostly nature and rural life and also of his inner urge to constantly innovate. Art historian R. Siva Kumar in the book, 'Rhythms of India: The Art of Nandalal Bose' has described the sketches and drawings of Nandalal as - "Nandalal's drawing take through different landscapes and introduce us to life in different cultures- not cosmetically, but intimately. Done on small cards, these drawings are a visual record of the artist's sensory experiences, and they capture the varying moods and gestures with remarkable ease and economy." In this particular sketch the artist has made an observation of lotus flowers painted in the East Asian traditions.