Untitled
Lain Singh Bangdel, 1970s
Oil on canvas
175 × 107 cm

© Bibhakar Shakya

The more his figurative work and mastery over the medium of oil evolved, so the more did he face far greater challenges in the elimination of eastern influences, and while perfecting his unique style. He was uncertain about whether to continue following the usual, traditional, and oriental tendencies in art, or to fully divest himself of his newly acquired knowledge of current western trends. Bangdel resolved this dilemma with remarkable prudence when producing paintings both genuinely close to the spirit of his homeland and by incorporating fluid abstraction and colourful expressionism. His paintings were, in turn, stylistically compatible with international trends in modern art. The simple forms of his earlier paintings began evolving more linear edges, and it is just such linear predominance which becomes evident in his non-objective work. The forms, compositions, colours, and brush strokes all unite to elicit a certain mood or event in his life which, as this painting testify, left an indelible impression on the artist.
- Swosti Rajbhandari Kayastha