A painting by Dhanya Das
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
At a time when seniors take on career paths post-retirement, and youngsters don multiple hats, this exhibition proves that there is more to life than just a desk job. A group of nine self-taught artists have come together to curate Masterstroke Figurative, which features their diverse artistic voices.
A painting by Epshita Chatterjee
Founder-curator Epshita Chatterjee explains that the artists hail from different parts of India, and belong to varied educational and professional backgrounds ranging from science, medicine, engineering, technology to management and design.
A molecular biologist-turned-visual artist, Bengaluru-based Epshita has been taking her art to galleries in Delhi, and Kolkata for about six years now. “I specialise in depicting rare birds with attractive plumage, and mating displays in their native habitats.” Epshita draws inspiration from visits to National parks and bird sanctuaries across India and South East Asia. “My art is a celebration of the life of bright, feathered creatures from the tropics.”
Other participating artists include Akoijam Tom Tom Chanu, Dhanya Das, Dr. Jyoti Tiwari, Apurba Das, Ivy Rajkumar, and Gautam Bansal. “Masterstroke Figurative showcases their work effectively to a general audience for appreciation while also providing them a platform for learning from academically trained master artists,” says Epshita.
Art by Jyoti Tiwari
All the featured artworks focus on realism and are stylised renderings that portray themes depicting the world around us. Traditional themes associated with each artist’s hometown, their childhood memories, socio-cultural milieu and wildlife find representation in the works.
An IIT Kanpur graduate, Dhanya specialises in paintings that depict Indian mythology and culture, “I will be bringing two oil paintings to the exhibition,” she says. One titled ‘Lost’ is inspired by the lore of Nala and Damayanthi, and the second artwork titled ‘Aaranyani, Goddess of Forest’ depicts a free-spirited woman like a forest.
A painting by Synoj Sivan
Hailing from Manipur, Akoijam is an IT professional-turned-artist who specialises in paintings themed on mysticism. “I work on acrylic paintings with textures. The Tara Devi series holds a special place in my heart. She embodies Shakti — the divine mother, the protector, and the bestower of spiritual liberation. I will be displaying two avatars of Goddess Tara in the upcoming exhibition.”
Akoijam quit her IT career in 2012 and started painting as a hobby. “Through art, I find the freedom to imagine and create a mystical world that transcends logic and reasoning, while experiencing a sense of enlightenment and pure joy. I believe the world deeply needs beautiful art to make our lives more meaningful and to attract positive vibrations.”
A painting by Gautam Bansal
Synoj Sivan, started painting at the age of 12, with water colours and later moved to oil colours on canvas. “I am heavily influenced by Raja Ravi Varma. He is my motivating force. My primary subjects include characters from Indian epics and Puranas with mythological themes,” says the artist who will be bringing two such paintings to the event.
From October 30 to November 2 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Kumara Kripa Road, Bengaluru, from 10 am to 7.30 pm
Published – October 28, 2025 01:18 pm IST
