ASIAN GRANDFATHERS

Titled "Asian Grandfathers," Ketna Patel's artwork features iconic figures Mao and Gandhi, symbolizing the cultural and historical significance of India and China in shaping our perception of "Asianess."

In the narrative of the last century, Chairman Mao and Mahatma Gandhi emerge as prominent figures. While Mao embodied communism and dictatorial rule, Gandhi championed non-violence and freedom. Positioned on the left, Mao represents logical, practical, and organized traits associated with China, while Gandhi on the right embodies the emotional and chaotic essence of India.

Economically, China leads the way while India struggles to keep pace. Yet, both nations have a rich heritage of scientific and spiritual thought, contributing innovations like tea, paper, and Buddhism. Today, China manufactures goods while India grapples with poverty.

Symbolism plays a powerful role, as both Mao and Gandhi adorn currency, influencing every Indian and Chinese citizen. Their images symbolize the exchange of goods and ideas, evident in the collaged Asian street signs in the background.

In Asian culture, elders are revered, often referred to as "Uncle" or "Grandad." With nearly 3 billion people, Mao and Gandhi hold a universal "grandfather" status, reflecting humanity's complex duality of freedom and confinement, creation and destruction.

The artwork's dominant crimson hues evoke a sense of faded red, reminiscent of dried blood or a wilting rose, symbolizing the enduring struggles and resilience embedded within Asian history and culture.

Each Fine Art Print is titled, numbered and signed in Ketna’s handwriting.

Depending on each composition’s ‘personality’, colour spectrum and destined geographical location, the Artwork is printed either as a C-Type print on Fuji gloss paper or as a Giclee print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper. (For humid countries e.g Singapore, C-type Fuji paper is advised as it is does not let moisture and mould through)

All Prints are made at the most accredited and reputable Printing studios in London, Singapore or New Delhi, using the best quality fine art archival paper available.

The studio meticulously keeps account of each numbered print, including when and who it was sold to, so there is no chance of duplication.

Each Fine Art Paper Print comes in an edition of 50, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 150.

Each Metal Print comes in an edition of 25, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 75.  

Each Acrylic Print comes in an edition of 10, so for the three sizes, the total prints ever made will be 30.

For each composition, there are up to 5 Artists Proofs for colour and production quality checks. The total edition for each artwork is therefore 260.

Each Print is made to order. Please allow 10 working days for delivery.