Dhaneswar Shah (B. 1979) Cat in black and whiteDhaneswar Shah (B. 1979)Cat in black and white signed and dated D.Shah '08 lower right and signed, dated, medium, size and year versoacrylic on canvas, framed151.4 x 121cm (59 5/8 x 47 5/8in).ProvenanceAcquired from the artist in 2008.Born in New Delhi, India Shah obtained his M.F.A and B.F.A from the College of Art, New Delhi. Working and living predominantly in China, where he is completing his PhD in Chinese contemporary art, it is easy to comprehend how animals have come to occupy a prominent place in his works. His works are influenced by Chinese tribal and aboriginal art and their philosophies, forms and techniques. Animals, dotted lines, thick lines and the fusion of bright and flat colours are characteristic of his works, as seen in the present lot. He is drawn towards using animals as the protagonists in his works as they represent the issues he wishes to address; animals fighting for survival as their territory is encroached upon by humans.Traditional Chinese ink and mixed media art are other influences. His works are best surmised in his own words, 'In my paintings, you can easily discover the small visual elements from my surroundings. I am physically attached to them. These elements are witnesses of the moment and place; they often step into my painting subconsciously and spontaneously.' (Oriental VisArt's Blog, Indian Artist 'Dhaneshwar Shah', 16th May 2010.) He has undertaken artist residencies in China, Tanzania and Australia and has had solo exhibitions at Shangyuan Art Museum, China (2014), Indigo Blue Art Gallery, Singapore (2009), Art Konsult Gallery, India (2007) and has been the recipient of the UNESCO, 'Art Award for Italy' (2008), the National Art Award by the Lalit Kala Akademi for Painting, India (2006), M.F. Husain Award, India (2005), Dhoomimal Art Award (2005), and 'AIFACS; The All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Award, India (2005).