Lalita Lajmi

Statement

Lalitha Lajmi (1932–2023), born in Kolkata, emerged from an artistic lineage that shaped her passion for both classical dance and painting. Choosing to pursue painting, Lajmi developed a distinctive style as a watercolorist, using her art to explore and articulate the evolving role of the modern Indian woman in the post-Independence era. Her canvases frequently address complex gender dynamics, revealing tensions within diverse relational roles. Despite the layered narratives of her work, her portrayal of women remains assertive and individualistic, often imbued with autobiographical elements.

Lajmi expanded her practice through intaglio and etching, studying under a government-sponsored program at the Sir J.J. School of Art. She established a makeshift printmaking press in her kitchen, producing prints for an exhibition in 1983 that traveled across both West and East Germany, signaling her early engagement with international audiences.