Abbas Batliwala

This painting by Abbas Batiwala portrays a satirical and expressive scene filled with exaggerated features and a playful yet sharp narrative quality. At the centre, a woman dressed in a red sari with a blue border and adorned with traditional jewellery is caught in the act of eating sweets, holding a leaf bowl filled with more. Her wide, bulging eyes and elongated face heighten the drama of the moment, while her slightly mischievous expression suggests secrecy or indulgence. Opposite her, a bald male figure with large, questioning eyes and a finger raised to his lips seems to confront or judge her actions, his expression oscillating between surprise, disapproval, and curiosity. The lush green banana leaves in the background add vibrancy, grounding the figures in a familiar domestic or festive setting. Through its bold forms, earthy palette, and caricature-like style, the painting captures humour, human impulses, and social commentary, turning a simple act of eating into a larger reflection on indulgence, scrutiny, and everyday theatrics.