Page 90 - Iconic Masters October2023

The Roar

Animals as Symbols

A Classic Husain Motif

A recurring motif in Husain’s works are animals revered in Hindu
mythology including horses, tigers and elephants. They are depicted
in an animated manner, in energetic poses and expressions. The
artist treats his animals, not as subjects, but rather as symbols of
power and inexplicable encounters. He would also often use them
to symbolise eternal India, with a special affinity for the national
animal of the country - the tiger. The tiger, in Hindu mythology, is
famously known to be the vehicle of Goddess Durga who is revered
as the goddess of war. The tiger was also used in several of his
works belonging to the highly acclaimed British Raj series. The tiger
in this particular series symbolised India’s independence, power
and ferocity.

Much like his other works depicting animals, the presented lot too
sees the tiger in motion. Utilising his masterful brushstrokes that
are fluid in nature, and his characteristic bold lines, he expresses
intensified emotions. Husain was also widely known to be a colourist
which is evident in the presented work with the usage of green,
red and yellow to depict the forest scene. The tension in the work
is made palpable through the artist’s unique visual language that
combines modern aesthetics with traditional subjects. While many
of his works featuring animals depict them alongside humans or
other animals, in the presented lot, the tiger takes pride of place
as the sole subject.

Husain’s animal paintings are a representation of nature and this
representation goes beyond the mere aspect of form – they fill a
space that allows the artist to highlight his ideals and ideas. In this
way, they are more symbolic of the principles they are meant to
depict. His artistic vision is enhanced by the symbolism, rhythm and
connotations he has created through the years.