Artist takes inspiration from legendary Raja Ravi Varma

Regional and contemporary art is what artist Daxa Khandwala has tried to explore through her latest collection of works titled Tribute to Raja Ravi Varma.

Though her works are out and out modern in both appeal and form, her oil on wood paintings are a subtle reflection of the classic contemporary pattern of the Indian regional arts and hence her works in the ongoing show has borrowed a lot from the rich art styles of the legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma.

Women portrayed in lavish sarees with earthy shades and stunning gold borders, decked up with ornaments of gold, pearl and stone add a touch of royalty to the images. And yet, the faces depict pure innocence and simplicity of the Indian woman.

A commerce graduate from Surat, Gujarat, Daxa Khandwala is a self-taught artist who has been dabbling in art for the last 25 years and has had over 15 solo shows to her credit.

“After the royals of ancient Europe, and the legendary life of Krishna, my interest was aroused by the works of our Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. His paintings are like poetry in colour. He paints regal women of regional India. It is India in all its diversity and glory.”

For now, Daxa has shifted her interests from Victorian masters to famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma and MF Husain. Her recent works tributes their massive contribution to the Indian art.

Daxa has already begun work on her next collection which marks a tribute to the late artist MF Husain. “I have great respect for the kind of artists and human beings Raja Ravi Varma and Hussain saab have been,” she says. 

“Hussain saab was an instant artist. His talent remains inimitable. He could create a timeless masterpiece with just a couple of quick strokes. I’ve been greatly impressed by his works. His horses will keep galloping through generations,” says Daxa.