STILL COMMENTARIES
Stories of our times
Not merely objects, but human artifacts
The material world around us is a mute commentary on our life and times. The objects we cherish, those we use and others which we discard - each is an conscious or often unconscious choice that reveals our deepest selves. From the artifacts in our museums to the commonplace ones in our homes, every object is an eloquent tale worth listening to - a story of our world as it will be interpreted by the future.
In this on-going series, I looks at commonplace objects in our lives from the lens of a future historian - and decode what they reveal about our beliefs, our habits, our choices, our lives and collectively the world we inhabit.
This series is on-going - stay tuned for more commentaries.
Homosapien
OIL ON CANVAS - 65 X 28 INCHES
Human history is shaped by our discovery and use of materials through the ages. From pottery to bronze and copper, to glass, steel and now the exponential usage of plastic, human evolution traces an increasing graph defined by our exploitation of the Earth's resources. In 'Homosapien' - my hyperrealistic oil painting, a rising graph of water glasses in different materials mimics the well known graph of human evolution from ape to homosapien. These glasses stand witness to our exploding crisis of resource use and exploitation - plastics primarily, but also subtly that of water.
UnWrite
OIL ON CANVAS - 48 X 45 INCHES
Religion is mankind's most powerful idea and The Holy Book - its most universally compelling symbol.
Organised Religion has been unfortunately as great a divisive agent as an unifier in our world; with the Holy Book being repeatedly wielded as an instrument for indoctrination and intolerance. Across religions, the Holy Book has come to stand for different codes of living life, each a law unto itself - separating men from each other and from the greater divine force.
As a still life chronicler, I examine what the Holy Book might reveal about our civilization and offer 'UnWrite' as a silent commentary on religious intolerance.
With its completely blank pages, the holy book in my painting carries my hope that mankind might still choose a shared inclusive understanding of faith and humanity. It urges mankind to start afresh.
Un-learn.
Un-Write.
Baba - A still portrait
OIL ON CANVAS - 16 X 12 INCHES
Still Portraits is my concept that draws on the emotions and associations that elevate simple objects into treasured memorabilia. It puts together cherished objects of a loved one for a glimpse of the personality beyond the face; celebrating their interests, occupations and quirks.
This painting is a still portrait of my father-in-law. It showcases his favourite hat and the kurta that his son bought him, the wrist watch gifted by his office, gold kurta buttons that he wore for his wedding, his fountain pen and a few best loved books.
These objects which he cherished in his lifetime are deeply valued personal memorabilia for our family. And this painting is a celebration of the man behind the face of Dhiraj Mozumdar.
COMMISSION A STILL PORTRAIT
Do objects belonging to your loved ones have pride of place in your home? Do you store them fondly because they recall special quirks, events or memories? Then maybe it is time to celebrate them through a still portrait.
Contact me to commission a still portrait of your loved one