Painting with Light – Self portrait

Artist Jeram Patel (1930 – 2016)

dated 1987, Chromogenic bromide print
24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm.)

Jeram Patel was a renowned Indian abstractionist and a key figure in reshaping the Indian art scene in the 1950s and 60s. Patel was a founding member of the short-lived but influential Group 1890. His art evolved into a distinctive abstract style, notably featuring black and white drawings and paintings in ink. He was pioneer in work with blowtorches on wood. This technique involved burning and puncturing the wood, sometimes contrasting the rough texture with sensuous colors. However, Drawing remained central to his practice throughout his career.

In 1987, Parmanand Dalwadi invited Jeram Patel to his studio to experiment with a new photographic technique called painting with light. Using a small light source in front of an open camera shutter, Patel held the light in his hand like a brush and began drawing in the air. He created a series of forms, including a bull figure and some of his signature abstract shapes. Finally, he “signed” the light painting at the bottom with mirror image the word “Jeram 1987.” In the final image, you can see the luminous painting with reverse signature and Patel himself. After completing the light painting, he sat on the floor, posing for his self-portrait.