Jehangir Sabavala

Jahangir Sabavala, was a distinguished artist who graduated from the J.J. School of Art, Mumbai with further education and training in Europe. He was a modern artist with an interest in landscapes and seascapes with an eternal quest of exploring lyricism and space. Known for his eclectic blend of Cubist and Impressionist style, his unique approach lay in incorporating these by adapting to the challenges of India and adjusting to its vibrant colours and landscapes. He was fascinated by the interplay of light, the mystery of it that was deftly captured in a veiled manner giving a sense of immense depth to the painting.

With an ingrained classical influence from his Indian academic training, his paintings often had portrayal of figures, sometimes appearing miniscule in his landscapes. Frequently philosophical in his approach, his figures are bereft of emotions, encapsulating the notion of solitude and melancholia, eerily shrouded in silence. However, they appeared to be uplifted by his sophisticated palette. In later years, the artist evolved to softer lines and a sombre palette beginning with cityscapes.

Part of his brilliance lied in the triumph of academic formality with his ability to transcend the narrative on an emotional state in simpler forms making it profoundly contemplative. With a career spanning over 6 decades, he has many solo and group exhibitions to his credit both national and international and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1977.