Featured Conceptual Art and Hand-Painted Works
My creative practice explores the tension between ancestral memory and the modern struggle. This collection highlights the breadth of my work, from conceptual large-format canvases to intimate, observational sketches.
This large acrylic on canvas, titled 'Unknown Sacrifice,' is a central piece in my exploration of subconscious struggle and ancestral memory. The surreal imagery of the fish skeleton and the cart floating in water represents the burdens and journeys of past generations that shape our present reality.
A custom couple portrait created with acrylic on canvas, sized 24 by 30 inches. My goal with commissioned work is to create a realistic and heartfelt representation that captures the unique bond between the subjects, serving as a timeless piece of art for their home.
This selection showcases my handmade canvas artworks depicting spiritual themes, specifically Radha and Krishna. I use vibrant acrylics to bring these traditional figures to life with a contemporary sensibility, aiming to evoke feelings of devotion and cultural heritage.
Titled 'Bhaarat Maata,' this is a significant 84 by 180-inch acrylic on canvas from 2024. The painting is a complex narrative about the contribution of tribal communities to contemporary India, weaving together figures and symbols to represent a collective identity and struggle.
A collection of my live pencil sketches capturing the energy of markets and bus stops. These observational drawings are an essential part of my practice, allowing me to document the raw, unfiltered moments of daily life and the people who inhabit these spaces.
'Migration,' a 48 by 72-inch acrylic painting, delves into themes of movement and adaptation. The surreal depiction of turtles, their shells textured with my signature woven motif, symbolizes the continuous journey and the weight of carrying one's home and history.
Here I am working on a watercolor painting on location at the Ajanta cave viewpoint in Maharashtra. Connecting with historical landscapes is vital to my process, as it allows me to draw inspiration directly from the deep artistic and cultural roots of our land.
This is a vibrant acrylic painting of a Kathakali mask, a powerful symbol of Indian classical performance art. I focused on the intense colors and dramatic expression to capture the character's divine and heroic essence, making it a striking piece of cultural art.
About Featured
Every piece in this collection relies on a rigorous process. My large-scale works utilize a proprietary bamboo-weave texture technique, applied layer by layer with heavy body acrylics to mimic the vanishing crafts of my village. These are not merely decorative items but conceptual inquiries into our collective identity, built on archival materials to ensure they retain their structural integrity for generations.
My journey as an artist is fundamentally tied to the Sir J.J. School of Art, where I refined my technique, yet my core inspiration remains the tribal heritage that shaped my formative years. The works displayed here represent a synthesis of these two worlds.
The Conceptual Framework
Central to my practice is the investigation of the 'subconscious struggle.' I posit that our current societal striving mirrors the unknown, daily efforts of our ancestors who settled the land. This is why you will see recurring motifs of bamboo and palm leaf weaving. By physically texturing my canvases to replicate these ancient patterns, I attempt to bridge the gap between our high-speed contemporary existence and the tangible, manual labor that founded our communities.
Technical Approach
- Acrylic on Canvas: My preferred medium. It allows for the rapid layering and robust texture required to build the 'woven' effect. I use heavy-bodied acrylics to provide a physical depth to the canvas surface.
- Observational Sketching: This provides the counter-narrative to my large-scale concepts. These live sketches from trains, markets, and streets are vital for grounding my work in the raw, unfiltered reality of daily life.
- Archival Standards: Whether commissioned for a portrait or acquiring a large conceptual piece, I utilize 10-12 oz heavy-duty canvas and archival-grade pigments to ensure the work remains a permanent record of our shared history.
My intention is never to create something merely aesthetic. Whether I am painting deities like Radha Krishna or depicting the migration of a community, the goal is to articulate the silent narrative behind the subject matter.
Pratap Badtya
I am Pratap. My art serves as a repository for the stories of my village, utilizing formal techniques I acquired at the Sir J.J. School of Art to preserve tribal motifs that are otherwise fading from memory. I believe that every brush stroke must articulate the silent struggle that defines our existence.
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Explore different facets of my artistic practice, from live sketches to large-scale conceptual canvases.
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