Birds
a) Signed 'Usman' and in Devnagari (lower left), and signed in Persian (lower left and lower right)
b) Signed in Devanagari, Persian and 'Usman' (lower right)
Watercolour and ink on paper (each)
a) 24.75 x 18.25 in | 63 x 46.5 cm
b) 21 x 17.25 in | 53.5 x 44 cm
(Set of two)
Usman Tirandaz was born in 1949 in Jaipur. The suffix 'Tirandaz' that was bestowed on his family owes its origin to the initial band of soldiers-painters who decorated their armour with natural motifs. Usman's forte lies in the creative and original depiction of all forms of flora and fauna. His large, life size panels meticulously craft flora in vibrant colours, and the each work does not in any way underplay or diminish the attention to detail. In his work, Usman draws from his profound and fertile imagination. At the same time his technique remains deeply rooted in the classical motifs and designs of Safavid Persia and Mughal India. Tirandaz places his work in the tradition of Mughal painting but takes a bold step in experimenting with his subjects on a medium that offers tremendous scope for innovation. In his long career as an artist, he has had many exhibitions in India and abroad. Important among them was his shows in London, "Flowers and Creatures of Earth and Heaven".