Artwork
Death in the Family
Death in the Family is an oil painting by the Naïve art artist Bhupen Khakhar. It dates from 1978 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Death in the Family is an oil on canvas painting by Bhupen Khakhar, depicting a poignant moment in the life of an Indian middle-class family following a bereavement.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows male family members, dressed in white as per Hindu custom, performing ritual baths after a cremation. The deceased's soul hovers above, contrasting the family's grief with the uninterrupted city life in the background, highlighting the coexistence of personal tragedy and public normalcy.
Technique & Style
Khakhar employs a deliberate naïve, two-dimensional style, echoing Rajput miniatures. The flat, expressionless faces of the mourners and the juxtaposition of multiple simultaneous scenes (a nod to his admiration for Brueghel) create a sense of quiet tension in an everyday setting.
Context
Created in the style characteristic of Khakhar's work from the 1970s onwards, this piece reflects his interest in portraying the Indian petit bourgeoisie and their daily lives, infused with subtle commentary on their social norms and emotional landscapes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'Death in the Family' are not provided, Khakhar's overall body of work, including this piece, contributes to a broader understanding of Indian middle-class life in the late 20th century through his unique, emotionally charged, and socially aware pictorial approach.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bhupen Khakhar was an Indian artist. He was a member of the Baroda Group and gained international recognition for his work as "India's first 'Pop' artist."
