Ghulam Rasool Santosh

Place: Srinagar

Born: 1929

Death: 1997

Biography:

Ghulam Rasool Santosh, also known as G. R. Santosh, was a renowned Kashmiri painter and poet, best known for his themes inspired by Kashmir Shaivism. Born in 1929 in Srinagar, India, Santosh's life was marked by a series of events that shaped his artistic style and career.

Early Life and Education

Santosh was born into a Kashmiri Muslim family of modest means. He dropped out of school after his father's death and took up various jobs to support himself. In 1954, he won a scholarship to study fine arts under the celebrated Indian painter N. S. Bendre at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. This marked the beginning of his artistic journey.

Career and Artistic Style

In the early 1960s, Santosh studied Tantric art and Kashmir Shaivism. He adopted this style to create some of the best examples of modern Tantric paintings. His paintings are known for their vibrancy of colors, neat lines, spiritual energy, and sensuousness. Some notable exhibitions featuring his work include the Tenth São Paulo Art Biennial in 1969 and the 'Neo-Tantra: Contemporary Indian Art Inspired by Tradition' exhibition at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1985.

• Notable exhibitions: Tenth São Paulo Art Biennial, 1969 'Neo-Tantra: Contemporary Indian Art Inspired by Tradition' exhibition at the University of California, Los Angeles, 1985
• Artistic style: Vibrant colors, neat lines, spiritual energy, and sensuousness

Writing and Authority on Kashmiri Shaivism

Santosh also wrote plays, poetry, and essays in Kashmiri. He was an authority on Kashmiri Shaivism and could read and write the ancient, almost-extinct Kashmiri script called Sharda. His writing and artistic work have been recognized by the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poem titled Be Soakh Rooh. Important aspects of Santosh's life and career include his unique blend of traditional Kashmiri themes with modern Tantric art. His work has been exhibited in notable international shows, including those at the https://Wikioo.org/, which features a vast collection of artwork from around the world.

Death and Legacy

Santosh died on March 10, 1997, in New Delhi, India. He was survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. His legacy continues to be celebrated through his artwork, which can be found at various museums and online platforms, including https://Wikioo.org/. For more information on Santosh's life and work, visit the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._R._Santosh. Key points to remember about Ghulam Rasool Santosh include:

• Kashmir Shaivism themes in his artwork
• Study of Tantric art and its influence on his style
• Award-winning poem Be Soakh Rooh
• Exhibitions at notable international shows, including the Tenth São Paulo Art Biennial and the 'Neo-Tantra: Contemporary Indian Art Inspired by Tradition' exhibition

In conclusion, Ghulam Rasool Santosh was a talented Kashmiri painter and poet who left an indelible mark on the art world. His unique blend of traditional themes with modern Tantric art continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.