The little untouchable (1936)
Amrita Sher-Gil's The little untouchable. painted in March 1936, captures the essence of India's impoverished communities. This artwork embodies her unique approach to illustrating daily life and the challenges faced by the underprivileged, which became a central theme in her work after returning to India. Influenced by precolonial Indian art forms, this painting reflects the cultural richness and complexity of the society she aimed to represent. Despite being a significant piece, its current whereabouts remain unknown, adding an air of mystery to Sher-Gil's legacy.
March 1936
About the Artwork
The story behind The little untouchable reveals Amrita Sher-Gil's deep commitment to highlighting the plight of India's marginalized classes. Painted during a transformative period in her career, this artwork represents her active engagement with Indian realities, especially after her return from Europe. Sher-Gil's innovative style fuses traditional Indian artistic influences with Western techniques, resulting in a distinctive voice that resonated deeply with her audience. Through her compassionate portrayal of the untouchable community, she sought to raise awareness about social injustices and encourage empathy towards the oppressed. Sher-Gil's work has left an indelible mark on the art world, further amplified by the fact that many of her pieces, including this one, are often lost to history or remain undocumented.
