ALPHONSO ARUL DOSS (B. 1939 )

From a Delhi Art Gallery

In terms of visual effect, Doss's paintings are distinctive since they simulate the effect of gemstones. Having arrived at this technique after minutely studying the graded passage of light through a diamond, he leaves calculated white spaces on his pristine canvases. For Doss, art is an expression of the mind. During his youth he was exposed to the stained glass windows in churches and paintings of Hindu gods by old masters. He was considerably influenced by their communicative power and he began to use art as a tool to express his anguish over events in society as well as to overcome personal dilemmas.
The subject matter for his art is drawn from different religions and includes representations of 'Nataraja', the 'Buddha', 'Jesus Christ' healing the sick etc. Not only are his themes derived from religion but his visual language is also inspired from the sculptures of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. Works of Western masters like Grunewald have also had a tremendous influence on him. Interpreting these subjects in a personalized way, he has given a new meaning to the use of religion in art.