Vivan Sundaram - People's Artist
India's art world is mourning the loss of Vivan Sundaram, a celebrated artist who championed the causes of the working class and was widely regarded as a "people's artist." Sundaram passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic contributions that spanned decades.
Born in Simla in 1943, Sundaram studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London before returning to India to begin his career. He was a prolific artist, working in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation. His works often explored themes related to social justice, inequality, and the struggles of the working class.
Throughout his career, Sundaram was an ardent advocate for the rights of the marginalized and the oppressed. He was actively involved in various social and political movements, including the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a campaign to save the Narmada River and its surrounding ecosystems from large-scale dams.
Sundaram's art was widely acclaimed both in India and abroad. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2012, one of India's highest civilian honors. His works have been exhibited in major art museums and galleries around the world, including the Tate Modern in London, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.
