The Gujarati Man

"The Gujarati Man," a watercolour on paper by Vyam Aggarwal, presents a photorealistic portrait of an elderly cattleman from a Gujarati village in India. This remarkable portrayal captures the essence of the man's life, dressed in traditional Gujrati attire, now aged and stained with the trials of daily existence. The worn white clothing has transformed into a muddy beige, embodying the man's history and experiences. The subject, caught in an unguarded moment, gazes downward with a startled expression, emphasizing the depth of his wrinkled features, furrowed brow, sunken eyes, and a weathered gray beard. The intricate details of his attire, both upper and lower garments, are meticulously rendered, almost akin to a statue. He wears a time-worn turban, revealing his ears, while his eyes, slightly squinted due to age, hold a sense of expectancy. The portrait captures the man's hollow cheeks, aged eyes, and a thick, graying beard, revealing the passage of time etched into his face. He clutches a wooden staff with his left hand, its length perhaps accentuating the effects of the man's age-induced stature. His posture appears slightly hunched, with the right hand concealed under his dress. Against a watercolored blue backdrop, the seemingly beige attire stands out, creating a striking contrast.

Year: 2017

Dimensions: 

Type of Work: Portrait

Medium: Watercolour on Paper

Artist: Vyam Aggarwal