Arpana Caur initially pursued post-graduate studies in literature at Delhi University before embracing her true passion for art. Caur’s work is marked by a profound dynamism and insight into the condition of women in contemporary India. Her portrayals of women in urban settings are a poignant reflection of her engagement with pressing issues such as life and death, violence, environmental concerns, and women’s rights.

Clothing emerges as a powerful and recurring motif in Caur’s artwork, serving to both uphold and subvert traditional female representations. Her artistic journey is profoundly shaped by the socio-political events and situations around her, with a keen focus on social issues and the narratives of the marginalized. Her art draws heavily from traditional forms, including Gond, Godna, Madhubani, miniature, and folk art, infusing her modern perspective with rich cultural heritage.

Caur’s mother profoundly influenced her artistic vision, with the ‘woman’ often taking a central role in her creations. Her works also resonate with the aesthetics of Pahari miniatures, Punjabi literature, and Indian folk art. In 2016, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore, in collaboration with Svaraj Archive, hosted a comprehensive retrospective, encapsulating 40 years of Arpana Caur’s distinguished artistic journey.