Padamsee's Palette

Akbar Padamsee's photo show at the Galerie Romain Rolland is pleasing. A short statement by the artist says that he is a painter looking at photography and it is true that what characterizes his successful foray into black and white nudes is his use of light and the sense of detail he is able to get on skin. However it is in the small section to the right side of the gallery with his monotone watercolors in shades of pale brown, working with a narrow and singular palette, with light but rough strokes, that he truly shines. The photographs are possibly too aesthetic. The portraits in watercolor stand unapologetically raw. They are direct and distinctive. Most of all they are done without any heavy handedness whatsoever, the painter does not need to make his point...his point is there..simply and elegantly put . The confidence in these pieces is calming. This show is on view at the Alliance Française in Lodhi Estate.