The familiar scent of paint and the haze of cigarette smoke were almost tangible as friends and admirers gathered to bid farewell to Gogi Saroj Pal. The artistic community of New Delhi lost one of its most vivacious spirits on January 27 when Pal passed away at the age of 79. Her studio in East of Kailash, which she often opened to guests, was a reflection of her generous and passionate nature, offering not just a view of her evolving art but also the warmth of her hospitality.
Pal’s work echoed her inner fire, conveying her resistance to oppression with each stroke. Whether it was an intricate jewellery design, a delicate weaving, a photograph capturing a fleeting moment, or a large, expressive painting celebrating the form of women integrated with nature, Pal’s creativity knew no bounds. She masterfully wielded an array of media, from gouache and oil to ceramics and graphic prints.
In the aftermath of Pal’s departure, the air at the Lodhi Road Crematorium was heavy with disbelief. The vibrant artist who once animated the space around her with her lyrical creations lay silent amidst a floral tribute of red roses, white jasmine, and marigolds. The stark contrast between the dynamic energy she exuded and the stillness of the final goodbye was poignant and unsettling.
Grief-stricken yet standing with the dignity of a man who shared his life with an extraordinary woman was her husband, Ved Nayar, himself an eminent painter. Struck by loss, words evaded him as he shook hands with those who came to share in the sorrow. Pal’s sister, remarkably similar in appearance to Gogi, welcomed condolences from the group of protégées and friends, a testament to the impact Pal had on their lives. Anjum Khan, a close student and almost like a daughter to Pal, reminisced with a heavy heart, “Gogi ma’am went so quietly; I have always associated her with a powerful voice, fervently speaking about the art world and critiquing it.”
Ashish Anand, director of Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), had been one of those who frequently cherished her work, encouraging her to “fill up” trucks with her art for his gallery. His grief was palpable yet terse, as he simply stated, “I will miss her terribly.” Kishore Singh, from DAG, remembered Pal as “maverick, chimeric, humorous,” and fondly reflected on his time curating her retrospective as well as the endless stories and cups of tea shared in her studio, shrouded in smoke.
Shukla Sawant, an artist and theoretician, pointed out how Pal had emboldened an entire generation of artists during her time at the Garhi Lalit Kala Artist Studio, praising her for her fierce, unorthodox views and absolute forthrightness.
Pal hailed from Neoli, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, yet her artistic journey took her across the states of Rajasthan and New Delhi, where she honed her craft and earned her postgraduate diploma at the College of Art. Her peer, art restorer Priya Kapoor, admired Pal’s meticulous and unique use of gouache, pointing out the deep symbolism in her works that celebrated the multifaceted power of women.
Her closer acquaintances enshrined Pal as an enigma – an artist unafraid to explore uncharted territories of her mind and the world at large. Her distinguished career and indomitable spirit have surely left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India, inspiring an enduring legacy that will resonate with future generations.
As the Indian art community reflects on her departure, they honor not only the work of Gogi Saroj Pal but also cherish the enduring light of her spirit which continues to shine through her artistry and the lives she touched.
