Yograj Verma

I paint the spirit and soul of what I see

Yograj Verma

Contemporary Artist

About Artist

For Yograj Verma, art is an act of faith, a sacred dialogue between the seen and the unseen. Born in Ahmedabad into a home steeped in spiritual storytelling, his earliest memories are of mythological tales passed down in whispers: rich with wonder, gods, and symbolism. These stories sparked a lifelong devotion, evolving from childhood fascination to an artistic language uniquely his own. A self-taught artist with over four decades of practice, Yograj first found expression illustrating mythological figures in bold, minimal forms. His breakthrough came in the early 1980s, painting 365 forms of Lord Ganesha for Circular Graphic Company — a project that brought him into contact with professionals from the National Institute of Design. The experience sharpened his vision, cementing his commitment to mythological art as a contemporary language of faith. In 1986, he moved to Delhi, working with agencies like Tara Singh Agency and Edge Communication, eventually founding AAKAR Graphics as a space for creative independence and deeper artistic practice. But throughout, his canvas remained a site of quiet worship. Yograj’s signature is unmistakable: faceless deities rendered with bold, flat tones. For him, the divine doesn’t require a fixed face. God is presence, not portrait. This intentional abstraction offers viewers a contemplative space to project their own belief, silence, or longing. His compositions don’t simply depict gods; they evoke them. Today, his paintings stand as contemporary mythologies — where color becomes scripture and form becomes invocation. Collectors and critics alike are drawn to his work for its emotional depth, spiritual resonance, and visual clarity. A blend of modern aesthetics and ancient truth.

Timeless Myths

Yograj Verma's paintings transcend traditional art, capturing the divine through mythological symbols and faceless deities. Rooted in spirituality and family heritage, his work reflects deep reverence for seasonal rhythms and the power of the sacred. Each piece is a prayer, inviting viewers to connect with the divine in its many forms.

Visualizing the Divine

“I immerse myself into the painting I picture in my head. I do some thorough cross-checking about the facts and the stories the symbols I have shown in my artwork. I first sketch, then revisit the sketches for a few days if I feel a change is needed, Then I make the drawing, and then I bring it onto the canvas. There have been moments when I have changed the sketch or drawing at the last minute because I visualized something better and felt like it would look much more beautiful and magical in the painting.”

Artistic Expressions of Ancient Stories

Self-taught artist Yograj Verma's artistic journey is a testament to the profound influence of familial heritage and a deep-rooted faith. Born into a family immersed in spirituality, he grew up surrounded by creativity and steeped in the rich tapestry of mythological tales. These narratives, whispered in hushed tones by elders, ignited his imagination, inspiring him to visualize the divine forms that populated his childhood dreams.

Transcendental Beauty

Yograj Verma communicates with his audiences through the paintings of deities without a facial expression. He articulates incredible incarnations of mythological-inspired subjects to encapsulate the essence of the divine and the myths. With four decades of practising art and carrying an intense relationship with myths and colours, his idea of God remains that God does not need to have a defined face. And that you can find him everywhere you want, and can experience his grace in any form. The bold, flat, subtle, light, and dark colors in my paintings truly represent different individuals who have somehow left an impression on me.

Seasonal Rhythm

Yograj's artistic practice is marked by a unique seasonal rhythm. Convinced of a divine empowerment that precedes festive occasions, he channels this energy into his paintings. <br><br> Each seasonal celebration, honoring a specific deity, becomes a canvas for his spiritual connection. It's as if his art is a prayer, a tribute to the divine being celebrated in that particular moment.<br> <br> Laxmi Puja, for instance, would see Yograj's brushes dance to depict the goddess of wealth, his strokes imbued with reverence and devotion. This seasonal approach not only lends his work a temporal dimension but also imbues it with a profound spiritual significance.

Connecting with the Divine through Yograj’s Works

Yograj’s paintings are more than mere visual representations; they are channels of communication with the divine. In the act of creation, he engages in a profound dialogue, seeking to connect with the spiritual realm. This intimate connection imbues his works with a sense of sacredness and power. His legacy extends beyond the technical aspects of his craft. His paintings are intended to evoke emotions, to inspire contemplation, and to invite a personal connection with the divine. By delving into the stories behind his creations, viewers can embark on a spiritual journey as profound as the artist's own.