The Intimacy of Female Friendships: Jehangir Sabavala’s Painting, The Friends
This week in Daak:
1. The Intimacy of Female Friendships: Jehangir Sabavala’s Painting, The Friends
2. Send a Postcard to a Friend
3. Daak Recommends
1. The Intimacy of Female Friendships: Jehangir Sabavala’s Painting, The Friends
Jehangir Sabavala (1922-2011) was an influential modern artist known for his distinctive blend of cubism and impressionism. Educated at prestigious institutions in Mumbai, London, and Paris, he held over thirty solo shows globally. His style evolved from vibrant Indian settings to serene landscapes and philosophical themes, earning significant accolades including the Padma Shri. Celebrated for its depth and lyricism, Sabavala’s work reflected his own search of spiritual truth and its expression. In an interview, he explained his creative process thus:
I am never comfortable with my work. I change and change it but a point comes when you can't change anything without destroying it. It is never finished but I have to say I am unable to express anything further. The idea runs on, it runs further. The hand is not able to follow. The gap between thought and action. The painting is never finished to one's satisfaction.
In his painting “The Friends”, Sabavala beautifully captures the closeness and confidences of women. The duplication of the outfits and postures of the four women further creates an intimacy which is the hallmark of female friendships. Looking at this painting, one can easily imagine a group of school or college friends walking back home and sharing secrets with each other.
2. Send A Postcard to a Friend
When was the last time you wrote a postcard to a friend? Get this special set of Daak postcards celebrating the beautiful bond of friendship!
3. Daak Recommends
Read another Daak on B Prabha’s art and Gauri Deshpande’s poetry on female friendships, and Ismat Chughtai’s account of her troubled friendship with Manto.