Important Notice

In the present lot, as in many of Manjit Bawa’s paintings, the interaction and coexistence of humans and animals has been emphasized by the artist. Here, a statuesque woman in a pale, yet luminescent dress hugs a pinkish-white cat to her chest. At once tranquil and disturbing, this portrait exemplifies the inter-species contact and communication that the artist has always been preoccupied with. Characterizing this concern as one relating to “the... In the present lot, as in many of Manjit Bawa’s paintings, the interaction and coexistence of humans and animals has been emphasized by the artist. Here, a statuesque woman in a pale, yet luminescent dress hugs a pinkish-white cat to her chest. At once tranquil and disturbing, this portrait exemplifies the inter-species contact and communication that the artist has always been preoccupied with. Characterizing this concern as one relating to “the theme of a universal language of communication”, Ranjit Hoskote believes that Bawa’s works probe the dynamics and asymmetries of relationships like those between creator and viewer, spectator and performer, and perhaps even between Bawa and his autistic son, Ravi (Manjit Bawa – Modern Miniatures, Recent Paintings, Bose Pacia Modern exhibition catalogue, 2000, not paginated).

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