Hemraj - The Eternal Connection and 'Eternal Reminiscence 2.0' in Indian Contemporary Art
Great and genuine artists have always had their own handwriting! Clearly identifiable, even if they undergo a vivid and intriguing development of their art and style, over the years. If we talk of Picasso – whether you look at his early paintings of the blue or pink period or at his later works of the Fauve movement, he was always himself. We see a similar authenticity and marked typical style that makes Hemraj noteworthy throughout his whole creative period.
Hemraj shows a tremendous development through the last 25 years. His new works, part of his latest series called ‘Eternal Reminiscence 2.0’, showcase all the characteristics already well-known from his early years, despite the subtle evolution that has taken place. Yet, there is a phenomenal wealth of new personality and depth exuded by his current works that captivates the onlooker.
In the eighties, Hemraj’s paintings were titled “Metamorphosis,” displaying enigmatic signs, often derived from tantric origins, depicting the creation of mankind through intense colors. Stars, snakes, flowers, stylized male and female reproductive organs, and cosmic patterns like mandalas and visual mantras could be deciphered within his works.
Later on, Hemraj’s works were called “Thou,” celebrating the grand creation of the world through an almighty God, invoking a traditional archaic-ecclesiastical sound. The signs and symbols continued to dwell within these paintings, remaining consistent with the artist’s overarching theme of praising God and creation. Hemraj’s art became a window into another world, where he aimed to showcase the heavenly realm reflected in our own imagination.
With his most recent series, Hemraj embarks on a new artistic endeavor titled ‘Eternal Reminiscence 2.0.’ Once again, we find ourselves drawn to the subtle colors of his compositions, featuring hues of reds, greens, and mauves. The enigmatic signs and symbols travel across the canvas, inviting viewers to explore their hidden meanings. While the forms may be familiar, there is a newfound rhythm and an expansive size to Hemraj’s creations, often spreading out in a uniform movement that fills the colorful backgrounds. Hemraj envisions the voice of God in his art, recognizing the divine presence in trees, flowers, stars, and the myriad elements of our surrounding world. He sees himself as the interpreter of these semblances and symbolic entities, transforming them into art. For Hemraj, art acts as a constant and stable messenger of the “Voices of God.”
One can appreciate Hemraj’s artwork without being privy to his specific intentions, as his brilliant abstract masterpieces open up a symphonized world of forms and colors. They beckon viewers to delve deeper into a realm of beauty, igniting wonderful dreams and awakening a sense of spiritual enticement. There is never anything redundant in his works; every inch of space captured carries incredible consequence, driven by the unwavering focus of his artistic vision. Some of Hemraj’s latest pieces reveal a propensity for exploring the depths of pictorial space, using both dark and luminous color fields to create a dreamlike and mystical atmosphere that harkens back to his earlier “Metamorphosis” series.
Moreover, Hemraj showcases how the world can be cloaked in an impenetrable yet seemingly transparent veil. This veil encapsulates the revelation of signs and symbols, presented through monochrome color shields that either cover the entire canvas or are represented by broad bands of color. The unseen and hidden aspects of existence perpetually carry a mysterious allure that implores us to uncover their secrets. In a way, Hemraj may exhibit a reluctance to fully express his concept of the “Voices of God,” perhaps conveying his apprehension about unveiling the indiscernible. The veiled, whether literal or metaphorical, has continuously enticed true seekers to unearth its enigmatic nature. We desire and yet fear discovery, and Hemraj skillfully creates that tension within his art.
In the realm of great art, like Goethe’s masterwork “Faust,” Hemraj’s creations are similarly “incommensurable,” defying measurement and surpassing quantification. Hemraj’s art transcends boundaries, reaching for something greater and more profound. While Hemraj graciously shares insights into the ideas that drive his artwork, he also encourages viewers to traverse their own paths of exploration within this spiritual continent. Each individual will discover their own wonders along the way, truly embracing the transcendence of great Indian contemporary art brought forth by Hemraj: The Eternal Connection and his latest series, ‘Eternal Reminiscence 2.0’.
