Ram Kumar (1924–2018) was one of India’s most significant modern artists and writers, known for his transition from figurative painting to abstraction. Associated with the Progressive Artists' Group alongside artists such as M. F. Husain, Tyeb Mehta, and S. H. Raza, he became one of the early Indian artists to embrace abstract expression.

His early works focused on the human condition, portraying alienation and struggles of urban life. Later, he developed abstract landscapes inspired by cities like Varanasi, using sweeping forms and atmospheric colours to express emotional and philosophical ideas.

Initially trained in Delhi, Ram Kumar studied in Paris under modern European masters and developed a unique visual language. Apart from painting, he was also a respected Hindi writer. His contributions to Indian art were recognised with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.