The Three Faces 1968

Zainul Abedin made "The Three Faces" with what looks like ink or paint on paper, and right away, I’m struck by how immediate it feels, like a thought caught in motion. Look at the way he's used the brush, or maybe even a rag, to pull the dark tones across the paper. See how thin and watery it is in places, almost like a stain, and then thick and juicy in others? It's all about the process, the hand moving, thinking, feeling its way across the surface. The lines that define the faces aren’t precious or careful, but bold, raw, and full of feeling. The central figure, with its intense gaze and elongated features, is especially haunting. The way the light and dark play across the face, it’s so direct and emotional. It reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz's prints, that same commitment to raw expression. Art isn't just about pretty pictures. It's about digging deep, wrestling with the tough stuff, and finding a way to make it visible.