There are some artworks that don’t just speak—they listen. The Hold by artist Pawan Sahu is one such creation. At first glance, it is a composition of faces, colour, and form. But look closer, and it reveals something deeper: a quiet story of strength, care, and feminine complexity.
This extraordinary piece made its public debut at the India Habitat Centre, as part of the thought-provoking art exhibition Past Forward—a curated show that bridged memory and modernity. The Hold quickly became one of the highlights of the event. In just one weekend, the show saw over 1,500 visitors, and this artwork quietly commanded attention—its stillness drawing people in, its emotion holding them there.
Painted using a rare and incredibly demanding technique—acrylic and pen on paper—The Hold is a masterclass in precision and patience. Very few artists choose this method. Acrylic is not an easy surface for pen work—it resists, smudges, challenges. But Pawan Sahu transforms that resistance into elegance. His hand brings forth intricate detailing and layered symbolism with remarkable control.
At the heart of the work is a woman. From her being, multiple faces emerge—each one distinct, yet unified in an embrace. These faces suggest the many dimensions a woman embodies: relationships she nurtures, responsibilities she shoulders, the quiet power she carries. The composition radiates empathy and grace, reminding us that to hold is not just to carry weight—it is to offer refuge.
“When nature makes us one, we become many in one body,” reads the poetic note that accompanies the piece.
“Multiple faces, one embrace—held softly, watched gently.”
The Hold doesn’t ask to be understood all at once. It invites slow looking, deeper feeling. It stays with you—like something remembered, or something yet to be said.
The Hold
Artist: Pawan Sahu
Medium: Acrylic and Pen on Paper
Size: 39 x 24.5 in (47 x 33 in with frame)
Price: INR 8,00,000 (USD 9,319)
Debuted at: Past Forward Exhibition, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Footfall: 1,500+ visitors
“Past Forward” – Art Exhibition at India Habitat Centre (12–16 July 2025)
Ambassador C. Rajasekhar, former Director General of ICCR, engages in a thoughtful conversation on contemporary art with G.K. Pillai, former Home Secretary of India. The exhibition, hosted by Dali by COMDEZ, drew wide acclaim for its curation and powerful storytelling through visual expression.