ABALALL RAHIMAN

BEGINNINGS

He was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Father was a scholar in Persian Language and his ancestral occupation was to prepare manuscripts of the Koran in Persian. Continued the ancestral occupation as a hobby. Young Abalall helped his father in painting the decorative borders of the manuscripts. He developed an interest in painting at an early age. Another significant event in Abalalls life was his association with the goldsmith community. He worked with goldsmiths that developed his skill and craftsmanship.

EDUCATION

• 1880 Studies at J.J. School of Art, Bombay. 1885-88 Was the period of his advance studies.

EXHIBITIONS

1920s Exhb., Bombay Art Society, Bombay. 2003 Manifestations, organised by Delhi Art Gallery, World Trade Center, Mumbai and Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi. 2005 Manifestations III, organised by Delhi Art Gallery, Nehru Center, Mumbai and Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.

COLLECTION

Dr. Kate, Kolhapur. Madan Mohan Lohia, Kolhapur. Town Hall, Kolhapur. New Palace Museum, Kolhapur. Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi.

AWARDS

1886 Awarded Viceroys Gold Medal. He was appointed as Court Artist, on the salary of Rs. 30/- by the Maharaja of Kotiteertha.

STYLE

He was an academic artist, with unglamorous realism that was not much about rendering superfluous and decorative details but about imitating textures and natural complexion.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Taught Art, when he was the Court Painter of Maharaja of Kotiteertha. However, being a strict disciplinarian could not get along with his students, but still was known as Abalall- Master.

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