Through The Magnificent Life, artist Rajesh RV imagines a world of harmony and hope

As a child, artist Rajesh RV was drawn to the wonders of the natural world, spending hours watching National Geographic, BBC Earth, and wildlife documentaries instead of the news. “Around the V or VI standard, I started watching these programmes with my father, and slowly developed my own fascination for Nature,” he recalls. That lifelong fascination with wildlife and Nature has now found expression in his ongoing exhibition, The Magnificent Life, at Forum Art Gallery. 

Advaita I by Rajesh RV
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A sense of mysticism permeates Rajesh’s canvases, where animals take centre stage in almost all compositions. Interwoven with elements of the earth, the cosmos and the universe, the work reflects his vision of an alternate reality; one free from greed, selfishness and the pursuit of power. In this imagined world, there is a harmonious coexistence, where humans and animals live together in peace, bound by mutual respect rather than dominance. 

Rajesh’s works challenge conventional ideas of artistic mediums. Instead of relying on acrylic or watercolours, his compositions are built on mixed media, weaving together pieces from newspapers, books and magazines. Every fragment is carefully cut and pasted, creating layers, making each artwork a one-of-a-kind mosaic of textures and patterns. “Each element reflects the work of many people — from printers, graphic designers, photographers, and models to writers, architects, and technologists. Their environments, clothing, colours, and choices all become part of the narrative. Even the paper itself holds natural elements and pigments that merge with the paint,” says Rajesh. 

Metta by Rajesh RV
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The artist structures each canvas around a three-part grid, with each section representing a different aspect of nature and the universe. The First is devoted to living beings like humans, animals and other creatures, portrayed from a divine perspective as peaceful inhabitants of a balanced world. The second celebrates the intricate beauty of plants, flowers and trees, highlighting the incredible design of nature that surrounds us. 

The third, the artist says, “is dedicated to the cosmos, earth, and planets, constructed in an abstract format reflecting how little humanity has actually explored them, leaving many questions unanswered.” 

The colour palette is a treat to the eyes, with each canvas a world on its own. While most humans are depicted in black, the background moves from vibrant oranges to red, yellow and more subtle blues and greys. “The visual tension is designed to compel viewers to stop, stand, and examine how these colours interact,” says Rajesh.

In a world shaped by climate change, conflict and political uncertainty, Rajesh turns to art as a space where he can imagine a different reality. “In my paintings, I can create my own world. If I want to, I can remove hunger from it. It’s like having a power of my own,” says Rajesh, summing the quiet optimism.

The Magnificent Life is on at the Forum Art Gallery, Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar, till August 8, from 10.30am to 6pm (except Sundays). Entry is free.