The artwork depicts Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom and new beginnings. Seated in a calm yet powerful posture, each of his hands holds symbolic objects — from the Ladoos to the axe — signifying intellect, strength, and benevolence. The characteristic Kangra miniature flow seamlessly through the composition, creating rhythm and movement. In Hindu philosophy, Ganesha represents the unity of the physical and spiritual realms. With an elephant head and a human body, he bridges the worlds of wisdom and emotion, embodying the power of transformation and the grace of beginnings.
The Artform
Kangra miniatures are a form of Pahari painting that originated in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, India, during the late 18th century. These miniatures are characterised by their delicate and meticulous brushwork, vivid colors, and a focus on portraying themes from Hindu mythology, particularly the love stories of Lord Krishna and Radha. The artists often drew inspiration from the landscapes of the Kangra Valley, infusing their works with a sense of natural beauty and romanticism. One of the distinctive features of Kangra miniatures is their preference for a pastel color palette, which lends a soft and ethereal quality to the paintings. The artists employed fine brushes and pigments derived from natural sources to create intricate details in the figures, clothing, and backgrounds. The portrayal of figures often exudes a sense of grace and elegance, with special emphasis on the expressions and postures of the characters.
The Artist
Mukesh Kumar Dhiman is a distinguished miniature artist hailing from Nagrota district in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He began his career three decades ago under the tutelage of esteemed Padmashree Awardee, Mr. Vijay Sharma. As a member of the ‘Kangra Arts Promotion Society’, he has actively contributed to the revival and preservation of this rich cultural heritage. He has provided his services to the local museum in Nagrota. His miniature works have been exhibited nationally and internationally in places such as Frankfurt, Germany, and the ‘All India Art Exhibition’ in 2002 where he received national recognition as well. He was honoured with the ‘State Award’ in 2011 and 2012, and the prestigious ‘National Award’ in 2014.
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