Abirpothi

Is Praveen Jariya’s Artistic Voyage from Suhajni Village a Window to Rural Serenity?

Praveen Jariya is an artist, who grew up in the village of Suhjani, Jabalpur and finds great inspiration in the diverse cultural legacy of his hometown. The venerated goddess statue, a symbol of divine adoration ingrained in the village’s customs, is at the centre of his artistic journey. Praveen pays honour to the sacred goddess statue that acts as an indication of spiritual devotion by carefully capturing the essence of mythical tales and rural life in his paintings. Each application of paint and colour in Praveen’s world bears witness to the anecdotes and beloved mythology that have shaped his creative persona. His art goes beyond simple depiction, giving spectators an insight into the essence of rural life. Praveen conveys the profound reverence and ingrained spirituality that pervade the ethos of his village through deliberate downward gazes and powerful imagery.

Rural Women
Rural Woman| In the painting, a rural woman stands atop a hill, with a snowy mountain behind her, representing the cold. Her red attire signifies her resilience and boldness against the harsh climate, highlighting her determination and hard work. Courtesy: Abir Space

The countryside is Praveen’s constant source of inspiration because of its colourful festivals, varied fauna, and age-old customs. His bold exploration of several mediums, each presenting a distinctive viewpoint on his surroundings, demonstrates his boundless creative enthusiasm. Praveen uses nature as his canvas, which enables him to establish a close relationship with his surroundings and include the unadulterated beauty of the natural world into his artwork.

Charwaha
Charwaha | The artwork captures the essence of a summer commute, focusing on the lifeless, dry fields and the steadfast spirit of shepherds in the harsh urban environment. | Courtesy: Abir Space

Praveen’s body of work is an ode to the tranquil beauty of life, interspersed with seasonal changes, regional festivities, and ageless folktales that characterise rural living. He invites spectators to go on an introspective journey through his evocative paintings, where the majesty of nature and the elegance of simplicity meet in a perfect symphony of colours and forms. With every piece of art, Praveen Jariya pays homage to the rich history of his town while also providing a window into a world where creativity and tradition combine to produce work that spans borders and speaks to the fundamental truths of human existence.

Bhramari 1
Bhramari 1 | This painting illustrates a goddess responding to villagers’ prayers by stopping a flood and locust plague. She guides them to safety and flowers bloom in her path, symbolizing her divine intervention and the renewed hope and abundance she brings| Courtesy: Abir Space

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