Rajib Deyashi, a trained visual artist from Kolkata, masterfully blends spirituality, Tantric philosophy, and the organic pulse of nature into his artistic oeuvres. His practice stems from a singular, unwavering belief: an invisible cosmic energy interconnects all existence. For Rajib, this metaphysical force transcends material boundaries, weaving together all life through a timeless spiritual current to produce indelible art.
He approaches his canvas with meditative intent. Each brushstroke becomes a conduit—translating inner vision into visual form. Rather than simply depict the divine, Rajib strives to transmit its serenity and radiance directly to the viewer. To him, peace and joy are not transient emotions; they are sacred manifestations of divinity. Wherever these qualities are present, he asserts, there resides the essence of God.
Rajib’s artistic journey spans a remarkable spectrum. He has mounted seven solo exhibitions and participated in over 80 group shows across India’s leading cultural epicentres. His work has been featured at the India Art Festival and India Habitat Centre in New Delhi; Jehangir Art Gallery, Tao Art Gallery, and Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery in Mumbai; Lalit Kala Akademi and Lokayata Art Gallery in Delhi; ITC Sonar Bangla and the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata; Thanai Art Gallery in Kerala; the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bangalore; and the Art Fair in Ahmedabad, among others.
Beyond national borders, his art has reached discerning audiences in Paris, Bangladesh, and Thailand. He remains a regular contributor to prestigious national-level exhibitions, including those by the Bombay Art Society (Mumbai), AIFACS (New Delhi), Swaraj Bhawan Kala Vitika (Bhopal), and the Museum of Fine Arts (Chandigarh).
Rajib’s work has earned critical acclaim and numerous accolades. His honours include the coveted Silver Brush Award, the Rajya Charukala Puraskar, Rabindra Samman 2018, the Academy of Fine Arts Merit Award, and the EZCC Merit Award. Notably, Oxford University Press India holds his paintings in its collection, and private collectors across India and abroad proudly showcase his work.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Rajib delves into his signature style and his recent solo exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam. He offers a deeper look into the spiritual narrative behind his recurring motif—the Bael leaf—while reflecting on his artistic evolution and the growing interest among international collectors in his transcendental themes. What follows is a compelling journey into the heart of his artistic philosophy.
Q: Could you share insights into your artistic style and the vision behind your solo exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam?
A: The exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam commenced on 27th April 2025, and I participated to present my artistic expressions rooted deeply in Indian spiritual and Tantric philosophy. I primarily work with acrylic on canvas—each piece an embodiment of serenity and meditative introspection. Through layered textures and symbolic forms, my art invites viewers into a contemplative space beyond the material.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors engaged meaningfully with my work. Many expressed genuine appreciation, offering thoughtful feedback and making numerous inquiries about my pieces. Their interest reaffirmed the resonance of my visual language.
Participating in this show proved immensely rewarding. The energy of Triveni Kala Sangam—steeped in artistic heritage—combined with the warmth and curiosity of its audience, made this experience both memorable and creatively fulfilling.
Q: Your work prominently features the Bael leaf as a recurring motif. Could you elaborate on the significance of this element and how it shapes your artistic narrative?
A: The Bael leaf, sacred to Lord Shiva, and the red hibiscus, emblematic of Goddess Kali, embody the divine dualities that inspire my work. Deeply influenced by nature, I infuse each painting with its quiet wisdom and spiritual symbolism. My art reflects a profound reverence for the elements and their sacred resonance.
Titled Holy Light, my current solo exhibition explores a meditative, transcendent space. I employ organic materials such as thread—not merely as texture, but as metaphor. The thread becomes a spiritual continuum, representing the bindu, or cosmic point, that marks the center of the universe. It is from this primordial source—the divine creator—that we all emerge.
Much like the water cycle, where rain returns to rivers and rivers merge with oceans, I depict our journey back to the sacred origin. We are threads in an infinite tapestry—woven, connected, and destined to confluence with the divine. This cyclical return, from creation to reunion, lies at the heart of my artistic vision.
Q: How long have you been exploring spiritual themes in your artwork, and what initially drew you to this path?
A: I have pursued this artistic journey for many years. It began during my time at art college, where I held my first exhibition at the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi. That early body of work explored themes of childhood—nostalgic, innocent, and emotionally resonant. Yet, it also marked the quiet emergence of my spiritual inquiry, which has since become a guiding force in my creative process.
Over time, my practice has evolved to embrace both realism and abstraction. While one captures the tangible world with sensitivity and detail, the other allows me to explore metaphysical dimensions through form, color, and symbolism. Together, they reflect the duality of my artistic language—anchored in experience, yet reaching for the sacred unseen.
Q: Have your artworks found an audience internationally, and do you often see interest from foreign collectors or buyers?
A: Yes, international collectors have shown strong interest in my work. I sold a painting to a collector in Spain, which marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey. Since then, I’ve received numerous inquiries from foreign visitors who resonate deeply with the themes I explore. Today, I remain hopeful that these meaningful interactions with foreign visitors will translate into new acquisitions and lasting connections.
