Bhupen Khakhar (1934 - 2003)

From the collection of Rini Dhumal, a Baroda based artist

This book cover is slightly worn. The book and etchings are in good condition, as viewed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Throughout his career Bhupen Khakhar was committed to the representation of the middle classes within their environments at times with earnest portrayals and at others depicting their follies. Khakhar attempted to reach the masses by creating reproducible prints, including this series of serigraphs, Phoren Soap, which was made for a story he published in a limited bilingual edition in 1997. Khakhar was also a well known writer and playwright in Gujarati. “Phoren Soap” humorously recounted the tale of a family’s use of a soap brought back from abroad that they attempt to conserve and imbue with magical qualities precisely because of its 'foreign-ness'. Khakhar wryly comments on objects from abroad being treated as particularly precious and in these stories, he channels the absurdity in a way not unlike famed Russian humorist, Nikolai Gogol. The center top image on the adjacent page illustrates a scene from the story.