paintings

From the dramatic paintings of Caravaggio to the gritty streets of film noir, the interplay of light and shadow has captivated audiences for centuries. This technique, known as chiaroscuro, translates to ‘light-dark’ in Italian, and it's more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a powerful tool for storytelling. In inherently flat mediums like painting and film, manipulating light and shadow creates the illusion of depth and form. A brightly lit figure emerging from darkness immediately grabs attention and pulls the viewer into the scene. Darkness naturally evokes mystery, suspense or even danger, while light often signifies hope, revelation or purity. By controlling the distribution of light and shadow, creators can craft specific emotions and set the tone of their narrative.

In the rocky hillsides of Maharashtra, lie some of the most extraordinary examples of ancient Indian art: the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.