Mythology in Indian art by Pratima Abhange

Описание: Pratima Abhanges art establishes a profound dialogue between Indian spiritual and cultural heritage and contemporary life. Indian Puranas, myths, and socio-cultural structures share a deep and enduring relationship with the present. Human beings remain constantly connected to their past; this connection exists on both material and psychological levels. Collective memories sustain this continuity across time. Drawing upon these elements, Pratima Abhange constructs her own distinct artistic language and conceptual framework.
The narratives of her artworks are rooted in Indian spiritual and mythological traditions, yet her mode of expression is firmly aligned with modern art practices. At places, she also incorporates elements of folk art, thereby expanding the cultural scope of her visual language. Religion forms the foundation of Indian life and cannot be disregarded. A survey of Indian art history reveals that artists have extensively engaged with mythological and narrative imagery. From Raja Ravi Varma to the early phase of the Bengal School and the traditions of South Indian art, religious themes have been widely represented. This sustained engagement enabled these art forms to establish a deep resonance within the collective psyche.
In contrast, modern art gradually distanced itself from religious imagery, resulting in an increasing gap between art and the masses. Through her artistic practice, Pratima Abhange attempts to bridge this divide by reconnecting art with the people. She weaves together mythological and cultural history with contemporary life, offering renewed relevance to ancient narratives. Her works extend traditional visual idioms while simultaneously embodying a strong sense of modernity.
Her careful study of the Puranas and other classical texts lends authenticity and intellectual depth to her creations. The paintings displayed in this exhibition feature multiple representations of God Rama, Goddess Sita, God Krishna, and God Ganesha. These deities constitute an integral part of the collective cultural consciousness and continue to form the spiritual foundation of Indian life today.
The compositional style of the exhibited works is marked by a notable sense of rhythm and aesthetic harmony in the figures, which draws the viewers attention. While depicting divine forms, Pratima Abhange foregrounds not only their mythological significance but also their practical and humanistic meanings. Her use of colour is rich and nuanced. In several paintings, the flat treatment of the background aligns the works with contemporary artistic sensibilities, reinforcing their modern visual character.