Essence of the artist

Most citizens of Bombay are familiar with iconic buildings like Breach Candy Apartments, Sorrento, Eden Hall, Amalfi and many others designed by the late architect Jehangir Vazifdar, but few are aware that the J. J. School of Architecture alumnus was an artist who was prolific in his output. Though Vazifdar often exhibited his works, he never sold a single one. On March 14, 2016 his son Phiroze exhibited some of his father’s paintings at the newly renovated Taj Art Gallery while granddaughter Michelle Yohan Poonawalla released a coffee table book about them, reported Business Standard (BS) on April 2, 2016.

The book, Jehangir Vazifdar – Artist and Visionary, "has given me the opportunity to present his vision, the essence of his theories and the powerful methods of training the mind. They are a window to his intellectual talent,” recalled Phiroze to the Afternoon Despatch and Courier (ADC) of March 17, 2016. He explained that the senior Vazifdar "introduced the study of color through his color alphabet and wanted one’s mind to read a painting, not simply look at its visual beauty.”
When he was painting Vazifdar did not always let Phiroze into the room, he revealed to BS, but granddaughter Michelle was welcome, as a result of which she is privy to his unique portrait painting technique and has plans to revive its use. Michelle remembers visiting her grandfather’s art shows. Being involved with putting the current show together has been an "emotional exercise” and a "sentimental journey” for her, according to ADC.
Though the show at the Taj Art Gallery has concluded, Vazifdar’s works may be viewed, by prior appointment, at the Jehangir Vazifdar Gallery, Corinthian Building, Ground Floor, Opp Fariyas Hotel in Colaba (telephone: 22029548, 22832557 and 22870859). The book is available at Strand Book Stall and costs Rs 1,800.