Untitled

Gaganendranath Tagore was a well-known artist and printmaker, who experimented with a wide range of styles throughout his life, moving seamlessly from visual caricatures to languages of abstraction. In this painting, he uses elements from Cubism—characterised by simple geometric shapes and interlocking panels—to construct a haunting, dream-like scene. A female figure stands on the landing of a staircase and we see a block of buildings, with light filtering out through some windows. The use of light and shadow creates a spectral effect and the architectural setting draws attention to the theatricality of the staged scene. But this scene could be from anywhere; it could be anyone’s dream or nightmare.