Untitled

Husain was deeply affected by the tumultuous conflicts of the 1960's brought on by the Sino-India War of 1962 and the India-Pakistan War of 1965 with its resultant communal violence. According to the artist, he saw the pain and anguish of conflict as an impetus for creation amidst destruction by using the generic symbols of the lingam, which exemplifies the union of Shiva and Shakti; and the Bindu, as the nucleus of power. These aniconic Shaiviate symbols further reflect the duality of creation and destruction. Amidst a chaotic backdrop, the Hindu symbols contrast greatly with the domed Muslim architecture, and the minaret/missile of the central panel. However, from a formal sense, all these elements are echoes of the lingam, equally spaced within the composition. The muted tones in this 60's era painting are a result of Husain's technique of alternately layering and scraping the pigments off of the canvas.