Contradictions, contrasts and a sense of drama form the highlight of renowned artist Jagannath Paul’s creations. His semi-abstract figurative works feature faces, to showcase a juxtaposition of the different emotions they display, and the complexities they hide. Paul calls himself a lifelong observer- people and their faces have held a special fascination for him through his childhood.

There is a flourish of drama in his mixed media works where selective pops of colour are framed against dark charcoal outlines. Paul’s style is inspired by the Cubist art form, and the straight lines he uses to paint his subjects’ outlines is his very own style that makes the figures appear to be almost hyper real. The many moods, emotions and expressions of relationships are his guiding theme, while his figures often appear to be ever so subtly turned towards each other; hiding and revealing their thoughts at the same time. His unique style of painting two halves of a face in different colour further explores the theme of the complexity of personalities that we inhabit.

He graduated from the Government College of Art and Crafts, Kolkata and his works have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions across India and internationally. The Bond of Love series in the current show “Lagaav” indeed leaves a lasting and deep impression upon the viewer.