Beneath the Relentless Sky

Sometimes, the past I left behind makes me nostalgic, and my soul yearns to return to those heavenly chapters of life that we left behind.  The vast, open blue sky, the endless greenery of the pastures, the flower-like innocence of rural inhabitants, and the motherly nature of Bengal are now being wiped out with the modern inevitability of development. Those innocent, calming moments of the past are now in Sepia, and we framed them to rescue from the harshness of modernism.

Once upon a time, during the forgotten chapters of a heavenly era, people used palanquins to travel to nearby areas. Wealthy individuals and notable figures typically used these vehicles. A palanquin was carried by two or four bearers who walked barefoot for miles, regardless of the season or the terrain, be it roads or forests.

During the peak of the intense summer in Asia, the bearers tirelessly transported passengers, navigating their journey beneath the relentless sky. In mid-summer, when no one dared to leave the shade of their huts, the roads were empty, and the bearers moved quickly across the scorching, copper-hued soil to reach their destination. Only the sun bore witness to their arduous journey.

Beneath the Relentless Sky. Medium - Acrylic on canvas

In this painting, I sought to capture not only the physical burden they carry but the silent endurance etched into every step. It's evidence of each stride, a testament to resilience and sacrifice.

Interior wall view

Interior wall view 2

Through bold, angular abstraction and stark contrasts of color, I wanted to evoke the oppressive heat and the unspoken stories of those who labored in the shadows of history. The figures, stripped to their essence, become symbols of both suffering and strength, moving forward despite the pain and the endless horizon ahead.

“Beneath the Relentless Sky” is a tribute to the countless journeys made in silence, and to the human spirit that persists even when the world offers no respite. I hope that viewers will pause to consider the lives carried within these shapes—the echoes of hardship, dignity, and endurance that still resonate today.    How does the painting make you feel? Share your insides with me.