He might not be a familiar face in Mumbai's arteratti, but artist Hem Raj is well known when it comes to Indian contemporary art
He might not be a familiar face in Mumbai's arteratti, but artist Hem Raj is well known when it comes to Indian contemporary art. His ongoing exhibition 'Revelation' at Jehangir Art Gallery is inspired by the dynamic human mind. He elaborates: 
PIC/ /MAHESH CHAFE
What's on display?
My current works depict a celebration of life. I have tried to show joy, music and dance in these paintings. Today, if you look at the world around us, people are under extreme pressure. I read this story of Gautam Buddha and one of his disciples, who used to keep the severest of abstinences, penances, meditation etc. After all this, he fell sick. Buddha told this disciple not to stress and get a sense of balance in his life. Through my work, I want to give a similar message.
Offbeat attraction
As a kid, I used to stick paper on the walls of my bathroom and paint on them. Slowly, the drains of my house started getting choked. My father realising my passion for art got me enrolled in Delhi's art college. I have always tried something offbeat. Presently, I am working on the medium of oil on linen. While everyone prefers canvas, linen has a longer shelf life. I also prefer oil paints to acrylics as I feel the latter resembles plastic.
Abstract ideas
In figurative art, people can understand the subject from a distance. But when they view abstract paintings, they have to study them closely to understand their meaning. This gives them a better insight into the mind of an artist. Abstract art goes beyond words, shapes and figures. Such paintings depict the landscape of thoughts that exist between two things yet cannot be seen.
Into the artist's psyche
I remember when artist Son Kadri saw my work at Delhi's Dhoomimal Art Gallery, he said, "We paint for others but Hem paints for us." That was a huge compliment.
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