Lachhman Rekha III

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 48"

After spending thirty years in the corporate sector, Pratap SJB Rana succumbed to
the call of his heart and chose to put brush to canvas. His works display an eclectic
style that reflects his wonderful syncretic sensibility. Influenced by his origins in
Nepal, tenures across South East Asia and Sri Lanka, and extensive travels, Pratap's
works are contemporary, transcending borders, languages, religions and traditions.
Through a combination of richness in colour and texture, and spread over a wide
spectrum of thematic interpretations, his resulting works transform standard
notions of realism into uniquely expressive forms of impactful abstractions and
figuratives. Pratap is clearly a thinking artist who paints from the heart which brings
a freshness to each canvas.
Represented by a number of galleries, Pratap’s works are much sought after and
now a part of private collections of prominent collectors in India and abroad.

Pratap currently lives and works in Gurgaon, India.

Group Shows: .
'Above & Beyond' / Gallery Artistique, The Oberoi Gurgaon / Dec 2022 - Jan 2023
'Let Me Live' / Gallery Artistique, The Oberoi Gurgaon / 2021

'Within Reach' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / Aug - Sept 2020
'Let Me Live' / The Oberoi Gurgaon / March - April 2020
'Ānanda' / IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / July - October 2019 
'Within Reach X' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / April - June 2019
'Memories & Mindscapes' /IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / March - June 2019 
'Pinot Palette' / Hotel Hyatt, Chandigarh / Artistique Gallery / February 2019
'Utsav' / IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / October 2018 - February 2019
'Mystical Show' / IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / April 2018 - August 2018
'Poetry of Longing' / Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Gallerie Nvya / Jan - March 2018
'Unconceptual' / IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / Dec 2017 - April 2018
'The Benevolent Gaze' / Ojas Art / 15 Dec 2017- 14 January 2018 
'Bodhi Parv' / BIMSTEC /IGNCA Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts/ Dec 2017
'Resonance' / IGI International Airport, Gallerie Nvya / 5 Sep 2017 - 5 Dec 2017
'Art for Concern Annual Monsoon Show, Mumbai / 6 & 7 July 2017
'Quest' / IGI International Airport, Nvya Delhi / 6 March 2017 - 5 June 2017
'Art for Concern Annual Show', Nagpur / 16 & 17 Feb 2017
'Art for Concern Annual Show', New Delhi / 16 & 17 Feb 2017
'Samsara' / IGI International Airport, Nvya Delhi / 1 Dec 2016 - 31 March 2017
'Art for Concern Annual Show', Hyderabad / 25 & 26 Nov 2016
'Art for Concern Annual Show', Mumbai / 13 Oct 2016
'Niten Arts Annual Exhibition' 2016 / IHC Visual Art Gallery / 4-5 Oct 2016
'Udaan' / IGI International Airport, Nvya Delhi / 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2016
'Affordable Art Fair Singapore' / Singapore / 21 - 24 April 2016
'Conversation' / IGI International Airport, Delhi / 1 March - 31 May 2016
'TAD Arts Annual Exhibition' 2015 / IHC Visual Art Gallery / 19 Nov 2015
'Flight of Expressions' / IGI International Airport, Nvya Delhi / 1 Sep - 1 Nov 2015
'When Boundaries Begin to Fade', IIT Alumni Centre, Chennai / 19 June 2015
'Plenitude' / IGI International Airport, Nvya Delhi / 1 June - 31 Aug 2015
'Eldora Art Show' / Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai / 13 April - 18 April 2015
'Ephemeral / Timeless' / IGI International Airport, Delhi / 1March - 31 May 2015

'The Spirit of Indian Art' / IGI International Airport, Delhi / 12 Dec - 12 Feb 2015
'Amorphous Form' / Gallerie Nvya / 10 Dec - 30 Dec 2014
'Divinity Enshrined' / Gallery Art Spice / 20 Sep -  15 Oct 2014
'TAD Arts Annual Exhibition' 2014 / Visual Art Gallery / 26 - 30 Sep 2014
'Art Bengaluru 2014' / 21 - 30 August 2014 
'Within Reach V' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / July - Aug 2014 
'Zen Moments' / DIAL Artwork project at Terminal 1D, IGI Delhi / March - Aug 2014
Soul Scapes / Gallery Art Spice / March - May 2014
The Winter Tale 2013 / Gallerie Nvya, Delhi / Dec - Feb 2014

Amalgam 2013-14 Prathma collection / DIAL Artwalk project at Terminal 1D, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi / November - March 2014
DBS Bank HNI Art Preview - 2014
AIFACS 86th All India Annual Exhibition/ December 2013
'Through the looking glass' / Gallery Art Spice/ Nov - Dec 2013 

'Varsha-Sharda' / Delhi International Airport Artwalk/ July - November 2013
TAD at Marriot / Gurgaon / August - September 2013
'Burrowing into the depths of the ordinary' / Gallery Art Spice /June - July 2013
'Within Reach IV' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / May - July 2013 
‘Basanta-Greeshma’ / DIAL Artwalk at Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Delhi / March -  June 2013
'Completely Contemporary' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / Jan - March 2013
'Hemanta Shishir' / GMR Art Walk/ Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Delhi / Nov 2012 - March 2013
'Within Reach III' / Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi / May - July 2012 

Solo Shows:
Gallery Archana, Kualalumpur, Malaysia / May 2012

Publication:
Art Houz Gallery's Erotic Calendar 2014

Video / Youtube
Karma and the underdog

Press Mentions
-Hindustan Times / Finding the Boudhha in You / Jan 2018
-NDTV / Mojarto interview / March 2017
-New Indian Express / A late blooming / May 2016
-Blouinartinfo / Art Houz Gallery Releases Erotic 2014 Calendar / Dec 2013
http://in.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/996497/art-houz-gallery-releases-erotic-2014-calendar 
-Live Mint / So Lounge | Erotic Calendar 2014 / Jan 2014
http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/9NUmrnPYChVdjXubA5faXL/So-Lounge--Erotic-Calendar-2014.html 
-New Indian Express / Browse, Buy, Make, Sell Art Online / Aug 2015
www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/Browse-Buy-Make-Sell-Art-Online/2015/08/24/article2987552.ece
-The Economic Times / Dream Theatre CEO Jiggy George's office is an ode / Jan 2015
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/dream-theatre-ceo-jiggy-georges-office-is-an-ode-to-his-passions/articleshow/46064337.cms
-Afternoon Despatch and Courier /Eldora Art presents (page 7) / April 2015
https://issuu.com/king001/docs/13_april_2015
-The New Indian Express / Where Art has no boundaries / June 2015
http://epaper.newindianexpress.com/528537/The-New-Indian-Express-Chennai/25-06-2015?show=touch#page/23/1
-Delhi Events / The Winter Tale: an Amalgamation / Dec 2013
 http://www.delhievents.com/2013/12/winter-tale-amalgamation-group-art.html
-Little Black Book / LBB Recommends Art Exhibitions for the Art Aleck/ Conversations / April 2015 https://lbb.in/delhi/lbbrecommends-art-exhibitions-for-the-art-aleck-in-delhi/
-FilmUdyogSe Blog / Art Houz Gallery, Chennai, Announces the Release of Its Erotic Calendar / Dec 2013 http://filmudyogse.blogspot.in/2013/12/art-houz-gallery-chennai-announces.html

Workshops conducted & Installations:
Dara Shikoh Festival 2014 Srinagar / August 2014
The Global Education & Leadership Foundation Harmony / November 2014

Represented by:
Gallerie NVYA, Delhi / May 2012 onwards
Gallery Art Houz, Chennai / December 2013 onwards
Veranda Art, Kolkata / October 2014 onwards
Saatchi Art / October 2015 onwards
Mojarto / March 2016 onwards
Gallery Artistique, Gurgaon / April 2018 onwards 
My Indian Art, Kolkata / August 2019 onwards 
Art Alive Gallery, Delhi / Until 2018
Ojas Art, Delhi / Until 2018 
Gallery Art Spice, Delhi / Until 2021

NDTV Prime | On Art | 10 March 2017

Pratap SJB Rana on NDTV Prime | On Art | 10 March 2017

INDEX
(To view a series click on the link)

A Town Named Nostalgia (set of 4 works)
Across Faiths (set of 3 works)
Ashtamangala (set of 2 works)
At the threshold (set of 2 works)
Bhiksham Dehi (set of 9 works)
Celebrating the Chandrabindu (set of 4 works)
Dashavatara (set of 5 works)
Dear Art Lover (set of 2 works)
Dev Bhoomi (set of 4 works)
Divine Resonance (set of 7 works)
Divya Chakshu- The Tenth Gateway (set of 2 works)
Dhyana (set of 12 works)
Fallen Angel (set of 4 works)
Flight (set of 3 works)
Ganga (set of 2 works)
Icelandscape (set of 2 works)
Kendrit (set of 4 works)
Kashi (set of 9 works)
Kochi (set of 4 works)
Lachhman Rekha (set of 3 works)
Memories of a Childhood (set of 5 works)
Miscellaneous works (set of 28 works)
On Hallowed Ground (set of 3 works)
On the wings of fortune (set of 2 works)
Prathamaja - The First Born (set of 2 works)
Ramayana, The Lesser Heroes (set of 7 works)
Rudrani (set of 5 works)
Tabernacle of the Soul (set of 4 works)
The Courtyard of Serenity (set of 3 works)
The Curator (set of 3 works)
The Busker at the Corner (set of 6 works)
The Lotus Buddha (set of 4 works)
The Temple Guardian (set of 7 works)
Trisul (set of 4 works)
Windows of Faith (set of 2 works)

 

Kendrit II

'Kendrit' means 'Focused'. It is often thought that the goal of meditation is to empty the mind. However It's not about "emptying" the mind; it's about focusing on a single focal point or an object that could be physical or mental. When the mind wanders, harnessing it and refocusing is achieved through meditation till the mind is totally absorbed to the exclusion of all  distractions. 

The monochromatic theme of the work signifies this exclusion of distractions, hence no colours that distract. It signifies the simplicity, purity and purpose of meditation. It is 'Kendrit'

We all occasionally experience this state spontaneously when for instance listening to a favourite piece of music or being engrossed in the arts. This focus is the key to a change in experiencing life and relating to others around us. 

Graphite, charcoal and acrylic on canvas (60" X 36") 
Acquired via Artistique Art Gallery

Keshav

Mythology is fascinating. This work is based on  the Hindu God Krishna and his battles against his evil uncle Kansa, who unleashes demonic forces to terminate the young Krishna. In this instance Kansa  finally assigns the demon Keshi who assumes the form of a huge horse. Keshi gallops at the speed of thought, wears the earth with his hooves and scatters celestial vehicles and clouds in the sky with his mane  in search of Krishna. Krishna challenges Keshi to a duel, as they engage in battle, Keshi roars like a lion strikes with his hooves, opens his mouth and attacks Krishna who thrusts his arm  into Keshi's mouth, and chokes him to death. 

 The work depicts this epic battle with the evil Kansa in the top left window and the contrasting tranquil form of a cow in the bottom right. It is also believed that while "Keshav" is widely used to refer to lord Vishnu, It applies to Krishna ( an avatar of Vishnu) as he had slain Keshi. Interestingly, Keshighat is a major bathing ghat on the river Yamuna in Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have overpowered Keshi. It is also believed that Keshi represents doubts that run like wild horses in the mind and hence need to be conquered.

Acrylic on Canvas | 48" X 36

Status: Acquired via Gallerie Artistique

Series: Miscellaneous works

 

 Lachhman Rekha III

The work has been inspired by the well known incident in the epic Ramayana when the female protagonist, Sita, (in a classic dance pose of anguish and also depicted here by the " the plough") is persuaded by the antagonist Ravana (asking for "bhiksha" as the alms bowl in the work), to cross the line drawn by Lakshmana, depicted by the footprint across the line, thereby leading to the escalation of the epic to it's climax. The work also depicts the kidnapping of Sita. The horse is representative of the infamous "Apaharan". Also visible is the golden deer of temptation. To the artist the crossing of the line by Sita is a point of inflection and has substantial social relevance even today.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 48" 
Status: Available

Rudrani V

Rudrani is Shakti and the consort of Rudra (Shiva). She later came to be identified as a manifestation of Durga. Rudrani is considered to be the confluence of the power of all goddesses. On an appeal from the Gods and armed by them she battled and vanquished the evil forces represented by Mahishasur the demon who appeared in several forms ( including that of a buffalo). Interestingly it may be observed that "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort and the significance of this title to the Mother Goddess indicates that she protects her devotees just as a fort protects a kingdom. 

This work is inspired by 1) Dassain / Durga Pooja and 2) the #metoo movement. In the work the artist has left one hand free of any weapons thus emphasising that Rudrani can also clearly battle on her own strength without several weapons and help being provided by the Gods. The work hence speaks of woman empowerment.

Acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 
Status: Acquired via Mojarto 

Nandana - The Celestial Garden

The work is a result of the artist being Impressed by the mythology of the celestial Garden of the Hindu God Indra called Nandana . It is also the home to the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree and the sweet-scented Parijata flower. The garden is said to be closely guarded by the young, beautiful and elegant apsaras or Celestial heavenly dancers. 

The work is an imaginative interpretation of this pleasure garden of unmatched beauty.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 36"
Status: Available
Series: Miscellaneous

 

Seeking Harmony 

Inspired by the auspicious elements of Buddhism the  artist has created this composition with a sense of synchronization of movement. 

The golden swirling clouds of abundance; the flight of the Black Necked Crane, a welcome winter visitor to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and a symbol of longevity; the supple, curved figure of the majestic Tiger, a Buddhist symbol of strength; the lush foliage signifying fertility; and the lapping  waves of life giving water, all forming a dance of joy for those Seeking Harmony in the turbulence of Life.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 36"
Acquired 
Series: Miscellaneous works

 Ashtamangala

In India belief in auspicious objects has existed from ancient times and has been prevalent across Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Mangala means that which is pure and sacred and that which possesses the power to ward off all evil. In this work the artist attempts to capture the essence of The set of Eight auspicious symbols of good fortune, the 'ashtamangala', which in Buddhism represent the offerings made by the God's to the Buddha (Shakyamuni) on his gaining Enlightenment. The hand in 'gyana' mudra in the centre represents the Buddha Himself.

There are several interpretations of each symbol. Some of which are:

1.The Conch represents that all pervasive deep peaceful sound of Buddhadharma, signifying the awakening of the believers from Ignorance. Interestingly in Hinduism the Conch is attributed to Vishnu who's avatar it is also believed is Shakyamuni Buddha.

2.The eternal knot represents the never ending deep Wisdom and Compassion of The Buddha  

3.The pair of golden fish symbolize Happiness represented by the complete spontaneity, fearlessness and freedom of movement of the fish in the water. Some connect the pair with the sacred rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna

4.The Lotus Flower (Padma) represents purity of the body, speech, and mind. Just as the Lotus floats above the muddy waters of desire and material greed

5.The jewelled parasol or Sacred Umbrella, represents Refuge from harm and suffering under the protection of Dharma  

6.The Treasure Vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, 

7. The Wheel. Believed to be The wheel of life, The Bhavachakra, and a symbolic representation of the cycle of existence as Buddhists believe in the continuous cycle of birth, life, death. Some also believe it to be the Dharmachakra, with the round shape of the wheel, representing the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching

8.The Victory Banner or Dhvaja, usually known as a military standard, represents The Buddha's victory over Mara, the Lord of Illusion, or the four hindrances in his path to Enlightenment.

Acrylic on canvas / 36" X 48" 
Status: Acquired

 Ashtamangala II

In India belief in auspicious objects has existed from ancient times and has been prevalent across Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. 

Mangala means that which is pure and sacred and that which possesses the power to ward off all evil. In this work the artist attempts to capture the essence of The set of Eight auspicious symbols of good fortune, the 'ashtamangala', which in Buddhism represent the offerings made by the God's to the Buddha (Shakyamuni) on his gaining Enlightenment. The hand in 'gyana' mudra in the centre represents the Buddha Himself. 

There are several interpretations of each symbol. Some of which are:

1.The Conch represents that all pervasive deep peaceful sound of Buddhadharma, signifying the awakening of the believers from Ignorance. Interestingly in Hinduism the Conch is attributed to Vishnu who's avatar it is also believed is Shakyamuni Buddha.

2.The eternal knot represents the never ending deep Wisdom and Compassion of The Buddha  

3.The pair of golden fish symbolize Happiness represented by the complete spontaneity, fearlessness and freedom of movement of the fish in the water. Some connect the pair with the sacred rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna

4.The Lotus Flower (Padma) represents purity of the body, speech, and mind. Just as the Lotus floats above the muddy waters of desire and material greed

5.The jewelled parasol or Sacred Umbrella, represents Refuge from harm and suffering under the protection of Dharma  

6.The Treasure Vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, 

7. The Wheel. Believed to be The wheel of life, The Bhavachakra, and a symbolic representation of the cycle of existence as Buddhists believe in the continuous cycle of birth, life, death. Some also believe it to be the Dharmachakra, with the round shape of the wheel, representing the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching

8.The Victory Banner or Dhvaja, usually known as a military standard, represents The Buddha's victory over Mara, the Lord of Illusion, or the four hindrances in his path to Enlightenment.

Acrylic on canvas / 48" X 36" 
Status: Acquired