Artwork
'Between the barking dogs and a painted - tiger I sleep'
'Between the barking dogs and a painted - tiger I sleep' is a watercolor painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Amit Ambalal. It dates from 1992 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This reminds me of surrealist dream scenes where everyday objects feel strange.
A man lies on his back in the middle of the painting. One arm rests behind his head, one leg is bent up. He rests on a tiger skin rug with its tongue sticking out.
He looks relaxed, but the title mentions "barking dogs" and a "painted tiger." The mix of calm pose and wild imagery feels oddly balanced. The artist made this in 1992 using watercolor and pastel on paper.
This reminds me of surrealist dream scenes where everyday objects feel strange. Check out more works by Amit Ambalal.
Overview
This 1992 painting by Amit Ambalal features a reclining figure surrounded by vivid, contrasting elements. Created with watercolour and pastel on paper, it showcases the artist's distinctive style.
Subject & Meaning
A man lies on a tiger skin rug, seemingly relaxed, as three dogs appear to jump and bark around him. The title 'Between the barking dogs and a painted tiger I sleep' suggests a juxtaposition of calm and wild elements, potentially referencing the tension between reality and representation.
Technique & Style
The painting's naive, child-like background and bright colour palette are characteristic of Ambalal's humorous style. The artist's use of watercolour and pastel on paper adds to the work's spontaneous feel, drawing on folk forms and traditional Indian art influences.
Context
Amit Ambalal's work reflects his interest in traditional Indian art forms, such as the Nathdwara School of painting and 'Picchawais' religious painted cloth. His paintings often interface with his passion for art history, reinterpreting traditional elements in a contemporary context.
Artist & collection
Artist
Amit Ambalal’s bold watercolours and pastels blend fable and form, turning tigers and tales into vibrant, layered stories on paper.
