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

 

 Rudrani VI

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 

 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: Acquired

 

Dashavatara VI

As per Hindu Mythology, whenever the world has been threatened with disorder, evil and destructive forces, The Preserver among the Holy Trinity, Lord Vishnu has taken on various incarnations or avatars to restore cosmic order. Dashavatara refers to the ten primary incarnations of Vishnu that descended during times of chaos in each of the four Yugas or age in time. As per Puranic astronomical estimates together, these four yugas constitute one Mahayuga and equal 4.32 million human years. Interestingly the incarnations vary across regions and different sects of Hinduism and hence no list is bereft of controversy but importantly all believe in the essence of Dashavtara.

Fascinated by this concept the artist was moved to represent the mythology on canvas. 

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

The Caretaker
The work is inspired by the bond and interdependence between the caretaker or guardian and the ward. The artist came across a heart warming scene in rural India where an old man, who seemed lonely and in penury, was lovingly taking care of a kid goat. However, it seemed obvious to the artist that it was the kid goat that was in actuality responsible for the wellness of it's guardian.

Acrylic on canvas (40 X 36)
Status: Available via Gallery Artistique 
Series: Miscellaneous works

A town named Nostalgia IV
I look back with a mix of emotions: sadness for the people who are gone, nostalgia for times that have passed, but immense gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that came my way. - Dick Van Patten
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Acrylic on canvas 50 X 18
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique, The Oberoi

 

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

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