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Using bold brushwork and a vibrant palette, Farhad Hussain explores the nuances of human relationships through his work. In his multi-subject portraits, like the present lot, Hussain develops each character as an essential element of the overall narrative. Using flat planes of colour and the occasional swath of intricately patterned fabric, Hussain avoids chiaroscuro entirely, choosing instead to relate perspective through the placement of his... Using bold brushwork and a vibrant palette, Farhad Hussain explores the nuances of human relationships through his work. In his multi-subject portraits, like the present lot, Hussain develops each character as an essential element of the overall narrative. Using flat planes of colour and the occasional swath of intricately patterned fabric, Hussain avoids chiaroscuro entirely, choosing instead to relate perspective through the placement of his figures and objects on the canvas.

Pairing mundane household components with entirely unfamiliar ones, the artist weaves humour and irony into these colourful domestic vignettes. He explains, “My main weapon is humor. It overthrows the romantic mode of consumption that we would otherwise be happy with. Are we to laugh at my images? Or should we just enjoy them voyeuristically? I’d like to question the stereotypes we live with” (Farhad Hussain: Recent Paintings, Chatterjee & Lal exhibition catalogue, 2006).

In this large format piece, two cats, a rabbit and a pig share the frame with the family of five, whilst several monkeys clamber on the branches outside their living room window. Perhaps a subtle comment on family life beyond the moments in which scenes like this are posed and captured, this mischievous cast of characters pushes the viewer to cross-examine their idea of ‘picture perfect’ family life. In addition, Hussain’s introduction of the unpredictable in his work emphasizes the extraordinary moments of daily life so easily left unclaimed and unappreciated.

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