Lot 175: N. N. RIMZON (B.1957)

UNTITLED EDITION 7 OF 9 Signed and inscribed "Rimzon 7/9" Bronze 13 1/2 by 9 by 8 1/4 in. (35 by 23 by 21 cm.)

Trivandrum based N.N Rimzon's sculptural work since the 70's has been pivotal in the evolution of contemporary Indian sculpture. Moving away from narrative painting during the time of the Emergency in India in the 70's, 'Rimzon's use of archetypal symbols and powerful metaphors comment on personal feelings of exile and fragmentation of Indian society' (Amrita Jhaveri, A Guide to 101 Modern and Contemporary Indian Artists, Mumbai, 2005). Identified by the characteristic use of a central figure in relation to objects or forms, 'Devotee on the Rock' is the first of its kind to be sold at auction. As with the case of most of the artist's work, the figure doubles itself as a praying devotee as well as a victim begging for forgiveness. Another feature that has been distinctive is most of the artists' early sculptures is the use of the the Mandala motif – a geometric sign of cosmic order used in meditation by the Buddhists.