Inner Divinity – 4564

Douglas John

Douglas John was born in 1967 in Solapur. In 1990 he received his degree in B.F.A from J. J. School of Art, Mumbai. In 2009 he received his degree in M.F.A. from Dr. B. A. M. University, Aurangabad.

Douglas came to Mumbai at the age of 16 and was awestruck by the spirit and diversity of the city. He launched his first solo painting exhibition, titled ‘Mumbai Déjà vu’. His second exhibition, ‘Light ‘n’ Light,’ was themed on the pilgrims devoted to Shri Siddharameshwara. The next exhibition, ‘In Search of Light,’ continued this quest. A pilgrimage involves devotion, reflection, social gathering, and processions along routes set over centuries, explained Douglas. The pilgrimage artworks show diverse variations of similar themes: the simplicity of white robes, landscapes, lighting, and the use of gold colour as a reflection of the indestructible nature of faith. These acrylic works reflect a mix of “Indianness” in themes along with Western techniques in painting. The paintings with many of the figures showing their backs to the audience evoke a sense of curiosity in viewers, who want to inject themselves in the conversations.