Prabha (1933 – 2001) was a prolific Indian artist renowned for her mastery of oil on canvas. She rose to prominence for her portrayal of introspective rural women, characterized by their elongated figures, each enveloped in a singular hue that lent depth to her artistic narrative.

At the time of her passing, her artistic legacy had graced over 50 exhibitions and had been acquired by prestigious art collections, including those housed at India’s National Gallery of Modern Art, the TIFR Art Collection, and the Air India Art Collection.

Prabha embarked on her artistic voyage during an epoch where female voices in the Indian art scene were scarce. Her creative ethos drew inspiration from the pioneering modernist Amrita Sher-Gil. Much akin to Sher-Gil, Prabha’s canvases predominantly featured women, echoing their inner worlds. 

She was deeply moved by the challenges faced by rural women, their struggles becoming the heartbeat of her artistic narrative. In a poignant reflection shared with Youngbuzz India, she lamented, “I have yet to see one happy woman.” Her brush traversed a spectrum of themes, from idyllic landscapes to the stark realities of droughts, hunger, and homelessness, casting a luminous spotlight on the human condition.