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Freedom of expression

Photo: S. Mahinsha

Harmony of colours Lizzie Jacob with some of her works

A break from the past is how one would describe ‘Black Magic,’ an exhibition of works by former bureaucrat Lizzie Jacob.

The 27 frames on display at the Suryakanti Gallery, display the metamorphosis of a person who relied on oils for her works and now discovers a new joy in the maiden effort with dry pastels on black paper. It does not take long to discern the shift in palette expression.

Seeking explanations from artists on their works often leads to questions like, was it a moment in time of the external worlds, or an inner reality or a subliminal reflection that led to the creation of a work? The dynamism provided by the medium has enabled the artist to move from the figurative to the abstract, taking her cues from memories and Nature. While resorting to abstractions, the path of experimentation is a beginning of a discovery of unfettered expression which was direct and acquired no symbolism that called for interpretation.

Lizzie Jacob explains the exciting new influence of using broad swathes of iridescent hues thus: “I found it easier to use the pastels in a manner that I wanted to communicate. Using the hands and not the brush as the tool for the new medium gave a freedom of sorts.”

There is little scope to peel off layers and layers of meaning. The studied calm, a distancing and enticing spell of a ‘sky scape’ or the nuanced twilight aura in the mountains have been captured. Imbuing the dimensional vision are certain frames which rely heavily on tonal variations of black, red and gold.

While the same colours acquire a transparency in some frames, the colours of still life come through the clever use of light and shade. The dexterity in the blending of colours and effect of dry pastels on paper give certain frames a glow. If surfaces are crucial for any work of art, then Lizzie Jacob sure exhibits her control and comfort levels with dry pastels on black paper.

What catches your eye is a harmony in deploying the tints. An overwhelming feel has been achieved not by mere representational imagery but by giving fluidity to the surface with the choice of colours and textural qualities of the pigments.

The transition from oil to pastels has enabled her to explore the sensuous possibilities of the medium with success.

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