Brimming with confidence, Farhad Hussain’s paintings are a mélange of vibrant colours.
A 2003 graduate from Shantiniketan, Hussain went on to complete his postgraduate diploma from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Baroda in 2005.
Farhad’s bases his works on the realities of human relationships and their subtle complexities. While his earlier works were less complex the seed of his current work was sown then. Farhad adds, “In my earlier works, I used to work on images that came from my day to day visual experience. But these images were always present with a touch of humour and sarcasm.”
Farhad’s paintings dwell on the human figure. His works are narrative with each figure interrelated to the other. Though, on a quick glance, one may feel awestruck by their presence, each figure is an integral part of the work. Each having a personality, which nurtures the narrative
In terms of structure and concepts these recent works deal with more thought provocative intricacies. The underlying sublimity of humor and irony betray the true experience of the artist. Vibrant colours and bright backdrops are a trademark of the artist. These bright colours remain flat with minute textile patterning for detailing in all his paintings.
Farhad has chosen to use tempera on cloth for his works, the media allowing him to achieve the desired vibrancy of colours. A slow build-up of images and spontaneous flow of colour while balancing colour and composition simultaneously follow structured formatting. This meticulous planning in the composition and layout is the beginning of a process from where onwards it is very spontaneous and intuitive. Another technique used through out Farhad’s work is the method of applying colour: dot-by-dot till the entire area is completely covered.
Various elements from miniature paintings, Kalighat paintings, Japanese prints and images from mass media are scrutinized, transformed and transferred on to the surface through the artists own style of expression.
Having realized and recognized his own style, the artist is continuously striving to evolve his work, trying to take it to a higher aesthetic level. There is a conscious bid to make his presence felt through his artwork.
The artist was the 2004 recipient of the Nasreen Mohamedi scholarship. The Indian Art College Art Exhibition has also awarded him the prize for best watercolour in 1998. Farhad has participated in several group shows in Baroda, Mumbai and Kolkata.