Laxman Pai (1926 – 2021) was an acclaimed modern Indian artist whose profoundly experimental practice infused Indian subjects with avant-garde styles like abstraction and surrealism. His work is known for its emotional intensity, energetic brushstrokes, and vibrant colors that evoke his native Goa, although the visual language of his early landscapes and portraits is radically distinct from the elongated figures and dreamlike scenes of his later paintings. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, from miniature painting and ancient Egyptian sculpture to the rhythms of classical ragas and Hindu mythological narratives. Reflecting on these diverse influences, the artist remarked, “I am my own Guru. I have taken things from others, but have made them my own.”

Born in Goa under Portuguese colonial rule, Pai came of age during a tumultuous historical period and became actively involved in the liberation movement while a student at the Sir J. J. School of Art. He graduated in 1947, earning the prestigious Mayo Medal, and began informally associating with the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group. He faced backlash over his ties to the group and its controversial subjects, and consequently S.H. Raza arranged for Pai to join him in France in 1951. Pai ultimately spent a decade in Paris, where he absorbed the techniques of European modernism and studied fresco painting and etching at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1961, he permanently returned to India.

A highly decorated artist, Pai received two of India’s most distinguished honors during his lifetime: the Padma Shri in 1985 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018. Other accolades include the Nehru Award in 1995, the Gomant Vibhushan Award from the state of Goa, and fellowships from the Lalit Kala Akademi in 1961, 1963, and 1972. His career encompassed more than 100 exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including a retrospective at Goa State Museum as well as participation in the Biennale de Paris, Tokyo Biennale, and São Paulo Biennial. Pai’s work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Modern Art (Delhi, India); Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (Delhi, India); Musée d’Art Moderne (Paris, France); Berlin State Museum (Germany); and the New York Public Library (New York, USA), among others.

Are the paintings signed?

Yes, all paintings are signed by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Is shipping available worldwide?

Yes, we offer both domestic and international shipping, and all fees are calculated upon purchase and included on your invoice. We frequently ship throughout the US as well as to Europe, Africa and Asia.

How are the artworks shipped?

All works including paintings, prints and sculptures are professionally packed. Smaller paintings can be shipped flat, and larger paintings can be unstretched and rolled in a tube. Each shipment is covered by transit insurance.

How should the artwork be taken care of?

As a resource for clients, we have written a guide on the best art care tips for canvases and works on paper.