Behind the Canvas: 12 Unknown Facts About Artist Bharti Prajapati

Years before she picked up the paintbrush, artist Bharti Prajapati’s creative journey began while studying textiles at the prestigious National Institute of Design. Her passion for textiles has never wavered, and her experiences as a textile designer continue to inspire her to share the beauty of Indian craft and tradition through art. And that’s just one of the stories behind her paintings. Here are some fascinating facts about Bharti Prajapati and her life story!

What is Bharti Prajapati’s creative process?

The process begins long before she touches her brush to canvas! It begins with an idea that she allows to develop in her mind, slowly becoming more refined until she knows exactly what she would like to convey. Then, the painting manifests into a new series.

What artistic techniques does Bharti use to create a sense of harmony in her compositions?

She exclusively paints with oil on canvas. When composing a new painting, she focuses on the flow of colors between the texture, figures and the background. She carefully balances the softness of the women’s textiles with the earthiness of their metal jewelry and their surroundings. Bharti also prefers to blend her compositions together through color, rather than starkly outlining her figures, which also emphasizes the women’s connection to the nature around them.

How does Bharti’s background in textile design shape her painting?

Not only did she work as a professional textile designer for 10 years, but Bharti also trained at Sophia Polytechnic for her undergraduate degree and then at the reputed National Institute of Design for her Master’s. She draws on this expertise to accurately depict Indian textiles in her work, and she carefully conveys the texture and patterns of these materials. Her keen eye for design has also influenced her overall approach to style and composition.

Beyond textiles, how has Bharti’s artistic expression been influenced by tribal India?

In addition to the woven patterns, she was intrigued by the intricate color-coding found in rural Indian communities. Colors are a way of bonding with each other, as people wear similar textiles and participate in the same traditions. She observed the sense of warmth and cultural belonging this creates, and she has reflected this in her paintings. Bharti also paints the intricate jewelry worn by tribals.

In her Paanch Tattva (Five Elements) Series, how are the elements depicted and what do they symbolize?

Bharti Prajapati’s Earth Story paintings explore the bond between the ‘Paanch Tattva,’ or the Five Elements, and all living creatures. The color palette in each painting corresponds to the element depicted: ‘Earth’ is represented by shades of brown; ‘Water’ is connected to blue; ‘Fire’ corresponds to yellows and oranges; ‘Air’ is represented by pink, recalling the flowering trees of spring and fragrance spreading through the air; and ‘Space’ is rendered in the black of the night sky. The five elements are also linked to the age of the women in the paintings. Girls are depicted with the energy of water and air, younger women with the life-giving force of fire, mature women with the stability of earth, and older women with the wisdom of space.

What inspired her latest series Beej (The Seed), and what is its significance?

While visiting a rural market, Bharti noticed women wearing necklaces made of local seeds. She immediately thought of the parallels between seeds and women, as both carry the potential for life. The Sanskrit word ‘Beej’ — which translates to ‘seed’ — is itself often used as a metaphor for the origin or beginning. As she has long been interested in women’s connection to nature, she was inspired to explore this theme through painting.

Other than women and textiles, which themes has Bharti explored?

In the past, she has painted subjects including Buddha, Krishna and Kabir.

How does she connect the themes of Kabir, Buddha and women in her art?

Bharti has been deeply inspired by Kabir’s poetry and dohas, Buddha’s principles and way of life, and the essence of womanhood. To her, the sensitivity and teachings of Kabir and Buddha resonate with the natural instincts of women. She sees a common thread among all three: the philosophy of living inclusively, creating a better world, and utilizing our abilities to the fullest while respecting all living beings. These values form the foundation of her artistic vision.

Which artists have inspired Bharti?

Although she was not exposed to much art as a child, she did encounter the paintings of B. Prabha and was drawn to her evocative portraits of rural women. Later, she found inspiration in Amrita Sher-Gil and Anjolie Menon. All three artists are women known for their depictions of other women, and Bharti has continued this artistic tradition.

What was the biggest challenge she faced in her artistic career?

Early on in her artistic journey, Bharti shared that she struggled to reconcile her own intentions and interpretations with viewers’ various interpretations. She made peace with allowing her art to speak for itself, without attempting to explain it in words, and she learned to embrace viewers’ unique perspectives.

How does Bharti envision expanding her artistic practice?

She has expressed interest in creating sculptures. She also hopes to merge her art with fashion, such as textiles and jewelry inspired by her paintings.

What legacy does she hope to leave in the art world?

Through her painting, Bharti offers portraits of rural women who are confident and joyful, carrying their cultural inheritance with pride. While the women in her work may be beautiful, she strives to capture something more — their attitude and their aura. She hopes this modern perspective of women will define her artistic legacy.

Artist Bharti Prajapati incorporates layers of symbols and stories into her art, and I hope you learned something new about her through these interesting facts! To read more about the artist or browse available paintings by Bharti Prajapati, please visit https://laasyaart.com/bharti-prajapati/. If you would like to make an appointment to see these works in person at our Indian art gallery in Palo Alto, California, please reach out at info@laasyaart.com or +1 650-770-9088.

— Sonia Patwardhan