Krishnaji Howalji Ara

K.H. Ara (1914-1985) was born in Secunderabad, and like M.F. Husain, his illustrious colleague from the Progressive Artists’ Group, came to Bombay to pursue a career in art. From a poor family, he worked in humble jobs to support his practice. His work caught the eye of Rudy von Leyden, an art critic, and
Walter Langhammer, the Editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India.

With their support he enrolled in the J.J. School of Art. Throughout his career, he supported and mentored younger artists in Bombay. Celebrated but often overshadowed by the other artists in PAG, Ara spent his last years in poverty.