“Cry ‘Havoc’, and let slip the dogs of war” *

‘Boy without Reflection’ plays on the word ‘reflection’ as in thought/ thinking. With the dog-collars afloat and only the leash-ends in his hand the man/child is the only image in the painting without a reflection in the water. The dogs’ reflections are multiplied in the water. Amongst other signs of destruction lies a damaged building with a dome near the boy’s feet with smoke bellowing out as twigs fly from blasted nests.

Art practitioners have long engaged with cataclysmic events, creating metaphorical imagery and events. A pivotal aspect which ties up the image and the tragedy in this work is the metaphorical use of ‘reflection’ – unsettling multiple reflections and more crucially the lack of ‘reflection’ in those who are adversely affected and in those who perpetrate violence. However, I have painted these ‘dogs of war’ with disintegrating bone and flesh. They are not invulnerable.

Ranbir Kaleka has a diploma in painting from College of Art, Punjab University. He is also the recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi’s National Award in 1979. His recent solos include the 16th Biennale of Sydney. He lives and works in New Delhi.

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