Portrait of an Aging Couple

Colour played an important role in Altaf’s expression of vicissitudes of life and this oil on canvas starkly shows the juxtaposition of two vastly different sets of emotions in the life of this ageing couple. While the food on the table in front of them is bright, indicating vitality and life, their bearing and the background are in consonance with their grumpy looks. Of special interest is a red string, indicating a half-infinity symbol, that the two hold, perhaps alluding to their commitment to each other forever.