Artist: Jamali
Title: Figure and Mask
Medium: Original Acrylic Pigmentation Painting on Cork Board
Canvas Size: 56" x 39"
Frame Size: 65" x 48"
Year: c. 2015
Documentation: Includes original Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Figure and Mask is a compelling work by Jamali, created circa 2015, that evokes a sense of timelessness and ancient mystique. This original acrylic pigmentation painting on cork board draws the viewer into a world where abstraction meets the primordial, reminiscent of ancient cave frescoes. The artwork's subdued color palette, composed mainly of black and earth tones, lends it a quiet, meditative quality, invoking the sense of something both archaic and eternal. The composition of Figure and Mask shows a face and its mirror image, exploring the duality of identity which is a common theme throughout Jamali's body of work.
Measuring 56" x 39" on canvas, with a frame that extends the total size to 65" x 48", Figure and Mask is a large-scale piece that commands attention without overwhelming the viewer. The soft, earthy tones used in the painting—muted blacks, browns, and ochres—lend the work a sense of depth and texture that is enhanced by the cork board medium. The cork itself adds an organic, tactile dimension to the work, further enhancing its connection to the natural world and the ancient practices of storytelling through imagery.
Signed by the artist in the lower left corner, Figure and Mask includes a gallery certificate of authenticity, ensuring its provenance and artistic value. The painting is a powerful meditation on identity and time, rendered in a way that feels both contemporary and ancient. It is a piece that speaks to the enduring nature of human expression, inviting reflection on the masks we wear and the figures that remain beneath them.
About Jamali
Jamali is an internationally acclaimed artist whose distinctive work blends rich cultural influences with a unique abstract expressionist approach. Born in India, Jamali's art is deeply influenced by his roots, spirituality, and the complex history of human identity. Over the years, he has developed a style that transcends borders, making him a celebrated figure in contemporary art worldwide.
From an early age, Jamali showed a natural aptitude for the arts. His passion for visual expression was nurtured in India, where he studied at prestigious institutions, gaining an understanding of traditional art forms while exploring modern techniques. However, his journey into the world of fine art was not linear. Jamali's early exposure to spirituality and his immersion in the study of human form and identity set the foundation for his exploration of masks and figures in his later works. The symbolic power of these themes serves as a focal point in many of his paintings, reflecting the tension between human vulnerability and societal expectations.
Jamali's artistic evolution was shaped not only by his upbringing in India but also by his travels to various parts of the world. His move to New York City in the 1980s was pivotal in his career, providing him with the opportunity to immerse himself in the vibrant art scene of the city. Here, he met and interacted with a diverse group of artists and cultural figures, further refining his practice. The exposure to the works of global modernists and contemporary abstract artists fueled Jamali's own innovation, allowing him to combine Western abstraction with Eastern spiritual elements.
One of the hallmark characteristics of Jamali's work is his use of mixed media, often incorporating materials such as cork board, textured canvas, and acrylic pigments to create a tactile and immersive experience for the viewer. His paintings are known for their layered complexity—visually rich surfaces that beckon close inspection and invite emotional interpretation. The use of cork board as a medium is symbolic in itself, with its inherent organic texture providing a contrast to the vibrancy of Jamali's painted forms. This contrast reflects the artist's exploration of life's contradictions: the roughness of reality versus the smoothness of idealized expression.
Throughout his career, Jamali has exhibited his works in prestigious galleries and museums around the world. His paintings have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Asia, garnering critical acclaim and widespread recognition. His works are held in prominent private and corporate collections, cementing his place in the pantheon of contemporary artists whose work bridges cultural and artistic divides.
A central theme in Jamali's art is the exploration of the human condition, often portrayed through figures and masks. These recurring motifs speak to the complex nature of identity, the masks people wear to navigate societal norms, and the innermost selves that lie beneath. His approach to these subjects is both spiritual and personal, reflecting his ongoing journey to understand and depict the human soul in its rawest, most authentic form.
In addition to his technical mastery, Jamali is known for his deep philosophical outlook, which influences the way he engages with his art and the world around him. He views his work not just as a means of artistic expression, but as a form of meditation, allowing him to connect with universal themes of life, death, and transcendence. For Jamali, art is an ongoing exploration of the self, the collective consciousness, and the mysteries of the human spirit.
Today, Jamali continues to create powerful, emotive works that resonate with audiences worldwide. His artistic legacy is defined not only by his remarkable technical skill but also by his ability to communicate profound truths about the human experience through abstract visual language. As an artist, Jamali remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his craft while remaining deeply connected to the spiritual and cultural forces that shape his worldview.