A modernist artist, Jeram Patel (b.1930) loved his blacks, which dominated his works. He primarily worked with ink and burnt wood panels. His early works were figurative but as his practice evolved, the subjects kept becoming more abstract. Patel used diverse techniques to get his desired outcome, he used plywood, enamel paint on canvas, nails, and tin sheets to bring his vision to life. His affinity towards ink is noticeable as he has done works using Chinese inks, Japan black, and sometimes using a crow quill. Patel also painted on board and canvas until his works and techniques took him to abstract realism and at times surrealism. He particularly cultivated an interest in burnt plywood engravings after his trip to Japan (the 1960s), and would employ various methods such as charring, puncturing, and his most sought-after, blowtorching the surface. His visual language is rhythmic and dark, using organic shapes and patterns
Patel studied drawing and painting at Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai (1950-55), and typography and publicity design at Central School of Arts and Craft, London (1957). His works are featured in prestigious collections including those at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. Jeram Patel has been a recipient of the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi (1957, 1963, 1973, and 1984) and the National Award for Design (1976).