Stand Alone

Shibu Natesan's works are often distinctly 'un-Indian' in that they reflect an internationalist painting-language and do not bear obvious markers towards Indian themes or subject matter. Instead Natesan conjures up surreal and dream-like images from fragments of memories and popular culture that are multi-layered, personally symbolic and mysterious. This painting is based on a photograph of Natesan's visit to Helsinki. It heightens the artist's sense of alienation by contrasting the darkened, lonely figures against the brightly lit, almost festive street scene.