Major milestones in G R Santosh’s career

Over all these years, critics have tried to peep into the mind of this genius and his work as a craftsman, painter, weaver and writer in order to understand the motives, inspirations and the underlying thought behind his mystical work.

• Tracing Gulam Rasool Santosh’s artistic influences and inspirations, a series of solo exhibits of his work took place at Dhoomimal Art Gallery, New Delhi (1994); Little Theatre Gallery, Delhi (1991); Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (1989); Dhoomimal Art Gallery, Delhi (1985, 1967); ‘Hirschhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C. (1982); Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai (1969); Revel Gallery, New York (1964); Gallery Mayer, New York, Kolkata, Kabul, Tel Aviv (1963,65); and galleries in Srinagar and Mumbai (1953,57,59,62,64).
  
• The major showcases of his work include those at Royal Academy of Art, London (1982), International Triennale, LKA, Delhi (1982, 68,78,82); Sao Paulo Biennale, Brazil (1969, 63); Mainichi Biennale, Japan (1965); and II Paris Biennale, France (1961).
  
• Among his selected posthumous exhibitions are  ‘Manifestations VI, V ,and IV ', Delhi Art Gallery (2011, 2010); 'Above and Beyond', Aicon Gallery, London (2010); 'Bharat Ratna! ', Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2009); 'The Root of Everything', Gallery Mementos, Bangalore (2009); ‘Modern India’ courtesy Institut Valencià d'Art Modern & Casa Asia at Valencia, Spain (2008-09); 'Moderns', Royal Cultural Centre, Amman, Jordan courtesy LKA, Delhi (2008); ‘Highlights from the Herwitz Collection, Aicon Gallery, New York (2007); ‘Unrealistically’, ArtsIndia, NY (2005); and ‘Contours of Modernity’, Aliso Viejo, CA (2005).
  
• In appreciation of his invaluable contribution to the domain of art, he received several honors and awards such as Kala Ratna Award, AIFACS, New Delhi (1991); Kalhana Award, The Kashmir Education & Science Society, Delhi (1985); Artist of the Year, Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi (1984); Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Besukh Ruh’ (a collection of poems, 1979); Padma Shri from the Government of India (1977); National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (1973, 1964, 1957);  The Governor of Bombay Prize (1955-56); and  Cultural Scholarship, Government of India (1954-56).

The renowned artist breathed his last on March 10, 1997, leaving behind a rich and unparalleled legacy.