Trinetra: The All – Seeing Wife

Artist Jogen Chowdhury (born 1939)

dated 1980, Watercolour on paper
12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm.)

This compelling portrait by Jogen Chowdhury humorously yet poignantly captures the enigmatic aura of a wife through the symbolic presence of a third eye. The exaggerated, wide eyes and the vertical eye on the forehead allude to omniscience—a playful nod to the artist’s belief that his wife could see and know everything, even in his absence. The stylized, almost divine portrayal resembles depictions of Hindu goddesses like Durga, subtly elevating the domestic figure of a wife to one of reverence and subtle authority. The bold lines, flat planes of color, and vibrant yellow skin tone emphasize both emotional intensity and symbolic meaning. While humorous in spirit, the work conveys a deep respect for the woman’s intuitive power.

Jogen Chowdhury, born in 1939 in Faridpur (now in Bangladesh), is one of India’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, known for his distinctive line drawings and mastery over ink, pastel, and watercolor. His work often blends figuration with satire, addressing social, political, and personal themes with layered meanings. After studying at the Government College of Art, Kolkata and later in Paris, he developed a unique style characterized by sinuous lines, distorted anatomy, and expressive faces. Chowdhury’s art bridges classical Indian aesthetics with modern expressionism, making his voice both timeless and contemporary.