Mask Series

The mind of man incredibly complex and simple at once, is a study in itself in the art, science and philosophy of camouflage. His multi-layered, many-hued mind mimics the finesse, perfection and complexity of a psychedelic artistic installation. The gimmicks of this realm of man smothered by layers of alter-ego are dangerous, inspiring and intriguing. Each layer that peels off exposes a newer face, a different person. Understandably Man’s perceptions of himself can often be deceptive and misguiding for there is no one face to him. His mind is a crowded market place, where constant dialogue takes place, altercations occur and alliances are forged between his many masks to lend the necessary equilibrium to life and to maneuver its course. Like a snake that sheds its skin on its path, man dons and sheds his masks with practiced grace and ease that makes him the titan of masks, the master of falsification, the greatest exponent of the art of masks and sadly a prisoner of his very own masks.

However, pause a while and introspect, does man really need a mask? As the world strides forward on a reckless note, life can be overwhelmingly challenging and at times warrant and sanction the use of a mask. Societal complexities, moral conditioning, political scenarios, his fears, desires, anticipations and vulnerabilities all have the ability to impose upon him the need to hide behind a veil. At times this veil is a protective sheath, at other times it is a weapon of treachery.

The Mask series is a series of paintings that aim to explore the many dimensions of the subject. Poignant observations, stark experiences of life all find themselves coming to the fore to express the abstraction. In a few words, the experience of creating the series has been akin to soul searching itself.

Originality: As an artist of the current times I consider this theme to be original and contemporary because of its wide relevance to many issues that man faces today in his interaction within the society he is part of. The manner in which man relates to his fellow beings, the relationship between the different members of the family as well as the intermingling and coexistence of different social strata are all the subjects of this project. I have aimed to bring out on canvas, the vulnerability of man, the deviousness of his mind, the limitations of his life and his attempts to bridge the gaps. The images in the series are the result of close observation of the world community of which I am a part of. Each canvas is a study of the idiosyncrasies of man and attempts to bring out the many layers that shroud his mind and personality in endless enigma.