Mahlaj shows his skill to Zumurrud Shah and runs a spear through a tree
| Support Type: | Cotton Cloth |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | MAK, Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/ Contemporary Art in Austria, Vienna |
| Location History: | It is currently located at MAK – Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art in Austria, Vienna while it was obtained from 'The Vienna World Exhibition 1873'. |
This piece makes me think a lot. All the elements combine to represent the stages of life. The main face has an expression that seems very open and youthful. The background face has a reflective and thoughtful expression. The face leaning to the left has a gentle or comforting expression. The best thing about this piece is the contrast between the soft, human shapes and the large area of white. This gives the impression that they are in a dream like scene and makes you focus on their emotions. The dull colours, light pencil lines and lack of decoration help to create this feeling. This piece makes me think about how time passes, the connection between generations and how everything is fated to change. Even though the figures are connected they have very different expressions, making me think they are feeling different about life. The title 'Cycle of Life' makes me think about how all these stages of life are connected. Overall this piece makes me think about how fragile life is and the importance of relationships due to the very gentle and personal imagery.