Important Notice

Lot 16

Though Arpita Singh`s works may initially seem whimsical or even unsophisticated, they are informed by complex narratives that tell of the artist`s experiences and the events that have shaped them. As Ella Datta explains, Singh “…absorbs the complexities of the world and represents them in her own distinctive way through the sensuous use of paint and brush, signaling joy, wonder, menace and melancholy in an intricate kaleidoscope of human... Though Arpita Singh`s works may initially seem whimsical or even unsophisticated, they are informed by complex narratives that tell of the artist`s experiences and the events that have shaped them. As Ella Datta explains, Singh “…absorbs the complexities of the world and represents them in her own distinctive way through the sensuous use of paint and brush, signaling joy, wonder, menace and melancholy in an intricate kaleidoscope of human emotions” (Arpita Singh: Picture Postcard 2003-2006, Vadehra Art Gallery Exhibition Catalogue, 2006, p. 1).

Building up her paintings out of thick layers of paint, which she then manipulates to reveal her multiple motifs, Singh bestows her work with several layers of meaning through subject as well as technique. In this oil on board from 1991, the artist alludes to the physical toll that the passage of time takes on all of us, no matter our past, and to the memories it leaves in its wake. The central seated figure, often a man in a black jacket, is a recurring image in Singh`s work. Surrounded by miscellaneous vignettes that are obscurely related to him and each other, this particular figure seems bent deep in thought or mourning. Making great effort to pull on a bright blue sock, he is circled by objects of the present and memories, colors and images of his youth.

On his right, the floating torso of an athletic boxer readies for a fight. On his left, a tennis player, similarly afloat, vigourously swings his racket. But these are only memories; Singh spares little room for the past in this painting, taking up the entire foreground with her representation of the present. The artist gives voice to the protagonist`s sense of loss through an empty chair which a partner or companion might have occupied. Opposite it are the white kurtas or tunics associated with elderly men and widowers, three of whom are seen at the bottom left corner beckoning the subject to join them. It is almost as if the central figure wears blue socks in a final bid to outrun the loss of vitality, companionship and color that time has brought in his life.

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