Bharti Prajapati

I just took the rural woman figure and translated it into how her whole psyche and how the universe through her gives us an insight of the whole cosmic miracle of creation.

Bharti Prajapati

Contemporary Artist

About Artist

Bharti Prajapati, a contemporary Indian artist, is a master of blending the fantastical with the familiar through her reimagined Indian folk art. Graduating in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, she transitioned from a decade-long career to follow her passion for painting. Her work thrives on the interplay of the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and space. Using a rich palette drawn from nature itself, she expertly combines earthy reds, ochres, and vivid indigo, capturing life's essence and embodying elemental energy. In her 'Earth Series,' Prajapati celebrates the rhythmic beauty of song and dance, drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology's Pancha Tattva. Tribal women come alive on her canvas, dancing harmoniously under the vast sky, radiating the joy of music and togetherness. Bharti Prajapati's art is a cultural celebration, from depictions of Krishna and Kabir to honoring the profound connection between women and nature. Her journey as an artist has graced prestigious exhibitions worldwide, earning her the Bharat Kala Ratna Award.

A Glimpse into Bharti Prajapati's Art

Discover the unique transformation of an idea into a finished masterpiece.

Inviting Creativity into Everyday Life

Bharti Prajapati, a seasoned artist who transitioned from a decade-long tenure in textile design, found her artistic voice in painting. Her formative years at the National Institute of Design were marked by a deep immersion in the artisanal traditions of tribal women across Kutch Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and various Indian regions. These experiences continue to resonate on her vibrant canvases, which transcend mere depiction to become a celebration of these women's vital role as custodians of India's rich cultural heritage. Notably, Prajapati frequently presents her works in cohesive collections, suggesting a narrative thread that transcends individual pieces.

Pancha Tattva

"Earth Series" draws upon the Pancha Tattva, the five elements in Hindu mythology (space, air, fire, water, earth). These elements manifest symbolically within her paintings: blues evoke water in clouds, while yellows and oranges represent fire. A black, starry sky signifies space and the cyclical nature of life, where destruction paves the way for creation. Through this rich symbolism rooted in Hindu mythology, Prajapati underscores the fundamental connection between humanity and the universe.

Below The Surface

"As an artist oil paint has always fascinated me. My medium of painting has been oils and after so many years it’s still a wonderful surprise to see the blend of colours, the depth and highlights so dramatically flowing into the entire canvas. I use a thin layer of paint to enable a detailed texture onto the painting which is for me an integral part of the overall look and feel of my work. As for the colour pallet, rustic, earthy tones is my personal favourite, however the bright and bold colours so symbolic of our Indian culture are too an intrinsic part of my canvases." - Bharti Prajapati

Fresh Glimpse into her latest series "Beej"

Deep within the Hindu tradition lies the concept of "Beej," a Sanskrit term for "seed" that transcends the literal. It embodies the origin of all things, a potent metaphor akin to the "bindu," or dot, symbolizing the spark from which creation ignites. For years, this enigmatic power of the seed has captivated Bharti. A chance encounter at a local market with women adorned in vibrant seed necklaces ignited a spark of inspiration in the artist, a genesis for her latest exploration – the profound connection between women, seeds, and the enduring power of life. The artist draws a parallel between the women and the seeds they wear. Just as the earth carries the seeds of life within, these women embody the power of creation, their journeys deeply intertwined. The seed necklaces become a vital part of their portraits, emphasizing the ever-powerful life-giving force they represent. The paintings capture the immense potential contained within this tiny form.

A Continuum

A celebrated artist, Prajapati's works have graced prestigious exhibitions across India and internationally. Her artistic merit has further been recognized with the bestowal of the Bharat Kala Ratna Award. Bharti herself equates the artistic process to the patient blossoming of a seed, stating, "Art has given me a calmness of the mind." With this evocative comparison, she underscores the transformative power of embracing creativity and nurturing its growth within ourselves.

Highlights And Achievements

Artist Education

Diploma in Textile Design, Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai (1979–1980)

Postgraduate studies in Textile Design, National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad (1981–1986)

Artist Awards & Recognition

Bharat Kala Ratna Award, Gujarat Kala Pratisthan (2016)

Lalit Kala Gaurav Puraskar, Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy (2015).

FICCI Women Achiever Award (2014)

Critics’ Choice Award, World University of Design, Delhi (2020)

Partner Artist, Social Initiative at Maya Eco System, Sydney, Australia (2015)

Artist Collections

India and globally, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia

Group Shows

2025: Her Story, KYNKYNY Art Gallery, Bangalore

2025: ShowKeen Group Show, AstaGuru Auction House, Mumbai

2025: Times of India Show, New Delhi and Mumbai

2024: Transcendence, KYNKYNY Art Gallery, Bangalore

2024: Times of India Show, Ahmedabad

2015: Partner Artist, Social Initiative at Maya Eco System, Sydney, Australia

2015: Shades of Women, Ahmedabad Mirror (Times of India) initiative

2014: Palette 2014, Charity Event, Mumbai

2013: Modern & Contemporary Indian Art Auction, Bangalore.

2012: Art Bengaluru, International Art Auction, Bangalore.

2011: Art for Dignity, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.

2009: Auction: SAKHI for South Asian Women, New York, USA.

2008: Lakme Art & Fashion Show, Mumbai.

2006: 11th Harmony Show, Mumbai.

2006: Art for Water, Water for Life, SCESA, NGO SHARE, Mumbai.

2006: Auction: HSBC Private Banking, Mumbai.

2005: 10th Harmony Show, Mumbai.

2005: Auction in aid of Mumbai Police Welfare Fund, Police Gymkhana, Mumbai.

2004: Auction: SAKHI for South Asian Women, New York, USA.

2004: 9th Harmony Show, Mumbai.

2003: 8th Harmony Show, Mumbai

2003: Auction: SAKHI for South Asian Women, New York, USA.

2002: 7th Harmony Show, Mumbai.

1997: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore

Solo Shows

2022: "Kabir – Visual Insight," Archer Art Gallery, Ahmedabad

2020: "Earth Story – The Elements," India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

2013: "Devi," Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

2013: "Devi" (Preview), Gallery Amdavad Ni Gufa, Ahmedabad

2011: "Shakti," Jamaat Art Gallery, Mumbai

2011: "One Tribe," Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

2011: "One Tribe" (Preview), National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

2008: "Goddess," Marvel Art Gallery, Ahmedabad

2006: "Mother Earth," Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

2004: "Krishna the Blue God," Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

2002: "Mirage," Gallery G, Bangalore

2002: "Mirage I," Sabun Cabune, Singapore

2002: "Mirage II," Galerie Dauphin, Singapore

2002: "Mirage II," Galerie Dauphin, Singapore.

2001: "Colours of Sand," Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

2000: "Colours of Life," Galerie Dauphin, Singapore

2000: "Desert Dream," Radisson, New Delhi

1999: "Rhythms of Desert," Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

1999: "Desert Song," Art Focus, Singapore

1999: "Desert Song," Galerie Dauphin, Singapore

1998: "Desert Song," Kala Bhavan, Ahmedabad

1996: "Women & Walls," Gallery Object, Bangalore

Sold Artworks

02 / 02

Golden Harvest

Bharti Prajapati

Oil on Canvas

.SOLD

Earth Song

Bharti Prajapati

Acrylic on Canvas

.SOLD

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