Important Notice

Nalini Malani frequently uses mythological, literary and historical iconography across cultures as narrative elements in her work. On the use of myths, she has said, “There’s a universal truth to them. They’ve come down through generations, and there’s no one author. They’re like seeds – you plant one and so much comes out. I’m fascinated by the melding of cultures, and subsequently myths.” (Artist quoted in Meara Sharma and Henry Peck, “A... Nalini Malani frequently uses mythological, literary and historical iconography across cultures as narrative elements in her work. On the use of myths, she has said, “There’s a universal truth to them. They’ve come down through generations, and there’s no one author. They’re like seeds – you plant one and so much comes out. I’m fascinated by the melding of cultures, and subsequently myths.” (Artist quoted in Meara Sharma and Henry Peck, “A Conversation With: Video Artist Nalini Malani,” The New York Times, 7 March 2013, online) In the present lot, 12 reverse?painted, untitled discs – collectively titled Seeds of Change – portray angels, worms, seeds, creatures and humans enacting various tableaux and metaphors, suspended in a deep blue surface reminiscent of the elemental sea or sky that unite all beings.

Malani was first introduced to the reverse painting method by fellow artists. “In 1988, there were three of us – Bhupen Khakhar, Vivan Sundaram and me – who had the chance to make a mural together. It was Bhupen who came up with the idea of using the reverse glass painting method, since he had just returned from a workshop in Hungary where he had learnt this technique. It was very close to a technique that was brought to South India by the Chinese traders in the 18th century… I liked the medium because I realised I was dyslexic, so working in the reverse works very well.” (Artist quoted in Ambika Rajgopal, “Indian artist Nalini Malani talks myths, metaphors and women – interview,” Art Radar, 21 March 2014, online) Reverse painting has become one of Malani’s signature techniques, and she uses it on surfaces ranging from acrylic sheets, as in the present lot, as well as bamboo paper and large Mylar cylinders.

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