CHENNAI: Step into Gallery Veda and the doors of enchanting mythical figures will be laid open before you. As the name implies, —‘The Mythic Trope,’ an exhibition of spellbinding paintings by artist Bratin Khan, is a depiction of a whole new realm of mythical figures and nature.
Being born and brought up in a rustic Chak Bhrigu village in North Bengal, Bratin says that growing up with nature helped him to portray variegated colours of nature, which are seldom seen in contemporary society. He adds, “The intricacies of nature, twilight, dawn have influenced me down to the last minute detail.”
And his paintings at the exhibition certainly reflect the same. Revolving around the theme of nature and lord Krishna, the use of colours and settings seem so realistic that it would appear the land of Gokul has been brought back to life. And to add to the charm of his paintings, he etches out nature at its best, as he brings the vibrant imagery of birds, insects, plants, sunset and so much more.
An ardent admirer of Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore, the artist is a devotee of “the original religion of the universe,” as he puts it. He adds, “Religion is lived, not practised and my paintings are an effort to create an enlightened existence, which lives religion.”
Talking about the paintings of his idol Rabindranath Tagore, he says, “He was my greatest influence. Everything related to him inspires me — be it his drawings, temperament, use of colours or the soft touch to it.”
Paintings of Krishna looking at Radha, the eternal love aptly brought out with the full moon light, the bucolic setting of gopikas and his favourite cows and nature at its best were not all. Small canvasses of women, with detailing of their features were also showcased.
‘The Mythic Trope’ is on display at Gallery Veda, Rutland Gate, 5th Street, Nungambakkam till November 17. Contact 43090422 for details.