Throughout history, the subject of the Bull in painting has been primarily an expression of man’s emotions. It is quite evident that many paintings represent feelings that man has towards his environment rather than towards the animal itself. A natural depiction of the bull would express strength, fierceness, fearlessness, and virility, or possibly some variation of these characteristics. However. ln some cases, the bull has been used as a motif or a means to express something other than the bull itself. A bull might represent any human emotion – the feelings contained in one single work might possibly be as complex as the life of the painter.
The earliest known paintings of bulls or bison were done by cavemen as rituals with the intention that the painting would ensure their success in the hunt and would also protect them from the brute strength of the animals. It was, in fact, an expression of their desires and was not done merely for the purpose of re-creating the image of the bull.
The form and symbolism has changed from paintings of the paleolithic period till today, the animal forms are continued to enamour the artists and employed in every conceivable form realistic, abstract form, and as a decorative motifs in either a ritual object or everyday use.
The artwork could also be seen as a combination of both, the celebration of life and vitality, with the bulls representing the raw power of nature and the untamed spirit of the human soul. “Bulls” association with Indian culture and mythology conveyed in contemporary form pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of India, with a modern twist that celebrates the sacred animal in Indian culture in a unique artistic style that leaves the mind open for interpretation, but retains the power and essence of the subject.
Even though man’s relationship with the animal has changed, he still uses the form to express his feelings towards his environment. Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva the representation of this symbolic creature can be seen in Oleographys, PichwaI, to Tyeb Mehta’s Untitled (Falling Bull) that was the cynosure of all eyes. The varied and plentiful nature has always acted as a perennial source of inspiration to artist to create multiple forms. Even the modern master MF Husain Bull art piece stood apart for his metaphoric momentousness and his brilliance. So does in the works of contemporary artists.
by Ruchi Sharma, Curator – Kalakriti Art Gallery.