Suffix (Herbaceous Perennial) - 4

With a visual language derived from the city of his birth, Jitish Kallat explores India's negotiation of post-millennial national identity through his paintings. In Suffix (Herbaceous Perennial) -4 the artist represents Mumbai as a microcosm, examining current issues relevant to the city via a stylised 'Pop' infused technique that is immediately recognisable. In this painting, Kallat depicts a blossoming plant or 'herb' beginning to bloom with identical people instead of flowers. Playing with the idea of the city repeatedly giving birth to clones rather than individuals, Kallat also introduces a gargoyle in the upper left of the canvas, recalling the architecture of the imposing train station Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) in Mumbai. As the gargoyle bleeds or spits a venomous fluid onto these men, Kallat attempts to bring forth the physical and psychological burdens to be found in this bustling metropolis. The painting is balanced upon two upturned chicken feet, further creating a feeling of unease while suggesting a more sinister rendition of Mumbai.