His life and works celebrate the spirit of breaking free from the bounds of conventional art. Sashidhar Saikia epitomised a batch of Assamese painters in the early thirties who battled all odds to become professional artists.

At a time when painting was the most neglected form of art in Assam, Saikia enrolled at the School of Art, Calcutta, from 1927-1931.

Gauhati Artists’ Guild organised an exhibition of the late painter’s works in Guwahati from February 24 to 29 to pay tribute to his contribution to Assamese art.

Most of the 24 works displayed were watercolour washes. Washes involve the application of diluted paint to produce an airy, translucent effect unique to watercolours. Variegated washes, blending two or more colours, are also used.

The 11 portraits depicted the two cultural icons of Assam, Srimanta Sankardev and Shri Madhavdev. A bright portrait of Sankardev shows an immense prayer hall in a satra, symbolising the religious magnitude of the theme.

A portrait of Madhavdev is a masterpiece of simplicity, depicting him meditating. A portrait of Saikia’s sister’s passionate eyes and sharp features represent his mastery over lines and curves. The figure is wrapped in white cloth, leaving only the face and throat uncovered to reveal haunting black eyes.

The Dream is a sensitive portrayal of a partially nude female figure reclining on a bed. The room, the bed and the figure are dark green, with the dim light of an earthen lamp providing relief. Landscape highlights Saikia’s skill at imbibing mystic fervour. A huge palace in subtle tones of black and grey is juxtaposed with a tall coconut tree and bushes in the foreground to add to its mystery.

Painter and secretary of the Gauhati Artists’ Guild, Simantajyoti Barua, said it took more than two years to organise this show.

“We, along with Saikia’s son Tikendrajit, had to search for the paintings. We feel privileged to pay tribute to such a leading artist whose work formed the base of modern Assamese painting,” said Barua.